Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Interior of the Lateran 1530 - 1580

Nicolas Beatrizet made this engraving of the interior of the Lateran Basilica in Rome as part of a series titled "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae." The image presents a meticulously detailed cross-section of the church, revealing its architectural grandeur and classical influences. The Basilica, as the cathedral church of Rome, was hugely important to the city's religious and political life. Beatrizet’s print is a product of the 16th century, a period marked by both a revival of classical forms and a growing interest in accurate representation. Beatrizet worked during the High Renaissance when Rome was a centre for artistic patronage and architectural innovation. This print reflects the cultural values of the time, particularly the emphasis on order, harmony, and the celebration of both classical antiquity and Christian traditions. To truly understand this print, one would need to delve into the history of the Basilica itself, as well as the social and religious context of 16th-century Rome.