Vase. Vaso Antico di Marmo con suo Piedestallo (plate no: 57), from 'Vasi Candelabri Cippi Sarcofagi'.

Rome, [1791]. . Etching: Overall sheet size: 70.5cm by 49.5cm.
Best known for his representations of on the archaeological reconstructions of ruins and the documentation of contemporary Rome, Piranesi also made a fundamental contribution to the development of the decorative arts. The "Vasi" is one of the most important of his works related to his own interests as a restorer and dealer in antiquities, and which had a great influence on interior decoration, and industrial production of ceramics, etc. This was an aspect of Piranesi's work on which he relied more extensively after the death of his major patron, Clement XIII Rezzonico. Many of the plates illustrate objects made of ancient Roman marbles that could be inspected at his Museo in the Palazzo Tomati where his engraving business and his home were both located. The integration of ancient sculptural fragments into his restored objects allowed for flights of fancy that were very influential on younger architects such as Percier and Fontaine, who made there mark as architects for Napoleon.

The plates were issued as individual plates from 1768, first appearing in bound form in 1778 as 'Vasi Candelabri Cippi Sarcofagi', probably compiled by Francesco Piranesi following his father's death. This set comprises Vasi antichi di marmo, Vaso inerario, Vasi Signor Corbet and Vasi Carmathen.