A watercolor, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, late 18th–early 19th century

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A watercolor, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, late 18th–early 19th century

2.500,00 €

This watercolor from the late 18th century (or very early 19th century) depicts a view of St. Peter’s Square in Rome, with St. Peter’s Basilica at the center, Bernini’s famous colonnade, and the Egyptian obelisk forming the axis of the composition.

This is a veduta, a genre highly sought after by travelers on the Grand Tour, intended to immortalize Italy’s great monuments.

Despite this topographical accuracy, the work retains a great delicacy.

In the foreground, tiny figures bring the square to life: pedestrians, clergy, families, horsemen, and elegant horse-drawn carriages.