Plate 5 of the series Antichità romane de'tempi della Repubblica, e de'primi imperatori. Inscribed by the artist in pen and brown ink: 5 (upper right corner) and Piranesi Deli (lower left corner).

A fine proof impression before the number (indicated by the artist in pen and brown ink), as well as a correction in the name ‘SEBASTIANO’ in the plate. See the finished example in the British Museum (BM Inv. Nr.: 1979,U.867). A fine example of a true working proof.

Francis Vivares (1709-1780) engraved work after other contemporary and Old Master artists. Vivares set up business at Porter Street, London, between 1749 and 1754. He founded an engravers school, was a member of the Society of Artists and exhibited in 1766 and 1768. (See: Timothy Clayton, ‘Vivares, Francis (1709–1780)’, online edn., Jan 2008).