Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-78), born in Venice and raised in Rome, is best known for highly-charged, atmospheric representations of antiquity in his prints. His work as a printmaker, whether exploring Roman architecture or displaying flights of spatial fancy in the celebrated Carceri (Prisons) series, make him probably the most collected printmaker of the 18^th century.

Piranesi’s notable works include: Antichità Romane, 1756; Vedute di Roma, 1747-1778; Grotteschi, circa 1750; Carceri, circa 1745; and Delle magnificenza ed architettura de’ Romani, 1761. Discover Piranesi's legacy through our curated selection at Shapero Rare Books.