GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI (Italian, 1720-1788) after
Tom.III. L, CAECILIAEsQ CRETICIs F
METELLAEsCRASSI
Piranesi Archit.dif.et inc.
impression 16.75 by 24.25 in., gilt frame, under glass
"Part of the facade of the tomb of Caecilia Metella, ornaments as they exist today...."
The Caecilli Metelli were one of the most important and wealthiest families in the Roman Republic. The women of the family were always named Caecilia Metella. This Caecilia Metella was the daughter of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus, a Roman Consul in 69 B.C. Her son, Marcus Licinius Crassus the younger, was a Roman Consul in 30 B.C. along with Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus. Marcus defeated the invading Macedonian King Deldo in single combat in 29 B.C. According to the honorary custom, he was eligible for the spolia opima, war trophies of arms, armor, standards, etc. However Emperor Augustus, denied him this honor intending to reduce the importance of generals, particularly as potential rivals. This Caeciliae, remains obscure in history, but for her son and this tomb erected in her memory by her husband, Marcus Crassus the elder, whose father, Marcus Crassus, served under Julius Caesar in the Gallic Wars and died leading the first battle between the Roman and Persian Empires in 53 B.C. The tomb stood high on a hill overlooking the Appian Way.
Estimate: $400 - $600
Realized: $50 - Excluding Buyer's Premium
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Lot 292 : GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI (Italian, 1720-1788) after
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