Prospetto d. alma città di Rom (...)

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Prospetto d. alma città di Rom (c. 1765)** *Etching by Giuseppe Vasi1710–1782)* Step into 18th-century Rome with Giuseppe Vasi's magnificent etching, *Prospetto d. città di Rom*, a "prospect" or veduta celebrating the Eternal City. Vasi, a master engraver from Palermo, captured Rome's grandeur during the height of the Grand Tour era, when wealthy Europeans flocked to Italy for cultural enlightenment. This large-scale print (688 × 440 mm) likely showcases iconic landmarks in exquisite detail, serving as both artistic marvel and topographic record of baroque Rome. Etching allowed Vasi to achieve intricate lines and tonal depth, biting acid into a metal plate to render architecture with precision—a technique that made his vedute highly prized. Published around 1765, it reflects the Rococo fascination with urban splendor and antiquity, popular among collectors as souvenirs or scholarly aids. The verso bears a collector's stamp (Lugt 2228), hinting at its esteemed ownership history, perhaps linked to renowned bibliophiles like Pierre Firmin-Didot. Vasi's work not only preserved vanishing cityscapes but also fueled Rome's allure as the world's cultural heart, bridging art, history, and travel in one elegant sheet.

About the Artist

Giuseppe Vasi · 1710–1782

Italian artist, engraver. Died Rome. Father of Mariano. Comment on works: Printmaker; Views