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Description

Second state (of six) of this iconic view of the bridge across the Tiber River between Piazza di Ponte Sant'Angelo and the Castle, etched by famed Italian engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Nice example of this iconic image of Rome, from Piranesi's Vedute di Roma, a series of 135 etchings of famous Roman buildings, ruins and monuments created by Piranesi (1720-1778) over nearly three decades (circa 1748-circa 1777).  The work is considered among the most ambitious and successful printmaking productions of all time.  

The Sant'Angelo Bridge was originally built in the 2nd century AD under the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian. It was intended to serve as an entrance to the Mausoleum of Hadrian, which was later renamed the Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge was originally constructed with five arches, but two were later filled in to create a single span.

Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several renovations and additions. In the 16th century, Pope Paul III had statues of angels added to the bridge, each one representing a scene from the life of Jesus. The angels were designed by famous Italian sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and are considered some of his finest works.

Reference
Hind 29.