Arthur Samuel, Piranesi (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1910).
TO THE READER
For some years past I have admired and collected the etchings of Piranesi, and feeling a desire to know more about this wonderful man and his son Francesco, I have gathered together such facts as are available. The result is this monograph which deals not only with the etchings which are, for the
most part, of views of Rome and its ancient remains, but also with the influence the etchings have had upon the architecture and decorative schemes associated with the names of the brothers Adam, and upon the furniture designs of Chippendale, Sheraton and their successors.
The monograph must, however, be read only on the distinct understanding that the composition of its pages contains nothing original so far as I am concerned. If the result of the perusal be satisfactory to the reader the credit will not be mine ; if, on the other hand, it be unsatisfactory I shall
be ready to accept responsibility. I have levied toll upon every available work of authority, standard or otherwise, in English, French and Italian, and whatever I have found I have taken, lock, stock and barrel, and with such catholicity that, for fear of placing too exhausting a strain upon my printer's supply of subsidiary types, I have not given references, and I have not used as many inverted commas as I ought otherwise to have done.
A few reproductions are given in this volume for the purpose of conveying an idea of the general character of Piranesi's etchings. It should be borne in mind, however, that the original etchings suffer in being reduced from their very large size to the small proportions of the present reproductions. In most cases the original etchings measure not less than 25 inches by 15 inches, many indeed are much larger. My publisher, Mr. Herbert Batsford, has taken considerable trouble to collate the etchings, the list of which I give, and I hope the student will find it of service. Every effort has been made to render it as perfect as possible. I have to thank him for many valuable suggestions and for the great pains he has taken in the production of the book.
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PORTRAIT OF GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI, AGED 58 YEARS, BY GUISSEPPE CADES
ENGRAVED BY FRANCESCO PIRANESI
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STATUE OF PIRANESI BY ANGELINI, IN THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA AVENTINA
ENGRAVED BY FRANCESCO PIRANESI
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