GIOVANNI BATTISTA, a very eminent Italian engraver, was born in the former half of the eighteenth century, and studied his art at Rome. The sight of the great architectural remains of that city soon kindled within him a flame of enthusiasm, which continued to burn throughout his career. With all the powers of his ardent genius in full play, he began to copy and restore the ruined edifices. His cunning hand faithfully imitated the actual remains of a fabric; his exquisite invention, catching the design of the original architect, supplied the parts that were wanting; his artistic skill introduced groups of vases, altars, tombs; and his scientific distribution of light and shade completed the picture, and threw a striking effect over the whole. One engraving after another was executed with unrivalled brilliancy; and a magnificent vision of the palaces and temples of the ancients continued to rise before the eyes of the public. As the great work went on, the zeal of the artist only waxed stronger. In course of time it was found necessary to call in the aid of all his children, and of several pupils. He did not, in fact, slacken in his exertions until in 1778 his enthusiasm was quenched by death. The plates of Piranesi were collected and preserved by his son and coadjutor Francesco. They were afterwards published, to the number of about 2000, in 29 vols. fol., Paris, 1835-37.