GIOVANNI BATTISTA

PIRANESI  , Italian engraver of ancient architectural subjects, was born in the earlier half of the 18th century, and studied his art at Rome . The great remains of that city kindled his enthusiasm and demanded portrayal . His hand faithfully imitated the actual remains of a fabric; his invention, catching the design of the original architect, supplied the parts that were wanting; his skill introduced groups of vases, altars, tombs; and his broad and scientific distribution of light and shade completed the picture, and threw a striking effect over the whole . One engraving after another was executed with much brilliancy; and, as the work went on, the zeal of the artist only waxed stronger . In course of time it was found necessary to call in the aid of all his children and of several pupils . He did not, in fact, slacken in his exertions till his death in 1778 . The plates of Piranesi, in which the severity of burin work is largely supplemented by the freer lines of the etching-needle, were collected and preserved by his son and coadjutor Francesco . They were published, to the number of about 2000, in 29 vols. fol . (Paris, 1835-1837) .