Anonymous Pyramid of Caius Cestius (Pl. for Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae). 1547. Burin. 287x398. Good proof on laid paper, addressed to Lafreri, trimmed to the subject, formerly lined, with traces of dusty folds, the lower corners missing extensively redone in pen and black ink (with the addition of a stone to the left not on the original). In the footnote, coll. mark of Thomas Banks, English sculptor, 1735-1805 (Lugt 2423) - presumably from whom the corners were reworked. "The Speculum found its origin in the publishing endeavors of Antonio Salamanca and Antonio Lafreri. During their Roman publishing careers, the two foreign publishers - who worked together between 1553 and 1563 - initiated the production of prints recording art works, architecture and city views related to Antique and Modern Rome. The prints could be bought individually by tourists and collectors, but were also purchased in larger groups which were often bound together in an album." (Record of the print in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, metmuseum.org).