I falsi epigrafici di Giuseppe Francesco Meyranesio

Abstract

The fake inscriptions forged on paper by Giuseppe Francesco Meyranesio (1729-63) occupy large space in the chapter devoted to Ligurian and Piedmontese falsae within the fifth volume of the CIL, and include over 100 documents. Investigating these forgeries aims at establishing Meyranesio’s method of production. In particular, this research includes the identification of the models, from which he drew inspiration to elaborate his texts and some related aspects: the criteria adopted in the selection and use of archetypes; the printed works, which the forger consulted for this purpose and which were to be easily found in the libraries of the seminaries of the Savoy part of Piedmont. In fact, Meyranesio spent his existence as a priest between Pietraporzio and Sambuco, two mountain villages of the Valle Stura.