[2], 15, [1], p., t.-pl., 10 [i.e. 11] pl. (6 dble., 1 dble. & fold.): illus.; 541 mm. (Broadsheet).
General Note
The sheet carrying Plate 3 carries also an unnumbered plate below it. The double, folded Plate I is printed from two coppers on two sheets pasted together. As well as the ten numbered plates and the title-plate there is a full-page illustration on the verso of page 15 of the text. The text pages, although printed on broadsheets, are signed in twos.
Contents
[Half-t., t.-pl.] - [Text] - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
The title-plate and the unnumbered plate below pl. 3 are unsigned; all others are signed as made by Piranesi (pl. 1 as designed and engraved by him). The headpiece on p. [1] and illustration on p. [16] are also signed as made by Piranesi.
References
National Gallery (Washington), Mark J. Millard, 4 (2000), 95; RIBA, Early printed, 3 (1999), 2548; Giovanni Battista Piranesi: the complete etchings, ed. J. Wilton-Ely (1994), 671-684; J. Wilton-Ely, Piranesi [exhibition catalogue] (1978), 164; A.M. Hind, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1922 repr. 1978), 85; H. Focillon, Giovanni-Battista Piranesi (1918 repr. 1964), 537-550.
For another eighteenth-century study of Cora's Doric architecture see G.A. Antolini, L'ordine dorico ossia il tempio d'Ercole nella città di Cori (1785).
Summary Note
The book carries no date of publication, but a manuscript note to Piranesi's Catalogo assigns it to 'Maggio 1764', while Francesco Piranesi's catalogue of his father's works dates it to 1763 (this latter date may be that of the Approvazione).
The first plate shows the city wall of Cora (6th century B.C.); the second, ruins of the temple of Castor and Pollux (1st century B.C.); the third, architectural fragments from the city; Plates IV-X, views, elevations, sections and plans of the temple of Hercules (ca. 80 B.C.), one of the few known Roman Doric temples.
Reproductions
A facsimile with commentary is given in Piranesi: nei luoghi di Piranesi, p. 113-136, figs. 56-69.
Provenance
Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1802.
Copy Note
Imperfect; lacks half-title.
Binding Note
18th-century mottled calf, upper cover gilt-stamped with royal arms of Britain and 'R.A.'; rebacked in 20th century, red and green morocco spine-labels lettered 'Cammini Antich Di Cora Candelabra Piranesi', spine lettered 'R.A.' Bound with three others.
Subject
Antiquities, Roman - Architecture, Roman - City walls - Ruins - Italy - Lazio - Cori - Cora (extinct city) - History - 6th century B.C.
Temples, Roman - Ruins - Italy - Lazio - Cori - Cora (extinct city) - Temple of Hercules (Cora) - History - 1st century B.C. - Doric
Views - Plans - Elevations - Sections - Italy - 18th century
Pictorial works - Italy - 18th century
Armorial bindings - Great Britain - 18th century