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British architect, painter and antiquarian. Born 1713, the son of a Scottish seaman in London (Ludgate), died there 2. 2. 1788. Buried in the crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Career S. came from a lowly background, but his gifts for drawing, painting and languages were recognized and encouraged from an early age. After his father’s death, he worked in the studio of Lewis Goupy, which was famous for its painted fans with ancient Italian motifs. Alongside his work as a draughtsman and painter, S. studied mathematics, geomet…

Giambattista Piranesi Italian engraver, etcher, architect and graphic artist. Born Mogliano (Venice) 10. 4. 1720, died Rome 11. 9. 1778. From 1740 studying at Rome; from 1743 active in Venice, from 1745 in Rome. Career P. was trained at Venice as a painter (and painter of theatrical sets) by the Valeriani brothers and his uncle Matteo Lucchese. He went to Rome in 1740 with a Venetian mission, and devoted himself while there to the study of Roman architecture (first publication already 1743 [1]). Giuseppe Vasi introduced P. to the engraving of vedute, but financial circumstances forced…

British amateur archaeologist, painter and architect. Born 1720 in Brandeston Hall near Framlingham, Suffolk; died there 3. 6. 1804. Work and influence On his Grand Tour, the gentleman R. reached Rome in 1742, and took up the study of painting. He met the Scottish architect James Stuart here, as well as the painter Gavin Hamilton and the dandy Matthew Brettingham Jr. Visiting Naples together in 1748, the three hit upon the idea of an expedition to Greece to make a detailed study of the ancient buildings; the project …