View of S. Teodoro in Rome c. 1645 - 1646

Jan Asselijn sketched ‘View of S. Teodoro in Rome’ using pen in brown and gray ink around the mid-17th century. Asselijn, a Dutch Golden Age painter, spent time in Italy, a common practice for Northern European artists seeking to expand their skills and cultural cachet. This drawing offers a glimpse into the dynamic between the Dutch and Italian art worlds, where artists navigated questions of national identity and artistic influence. The church of San Teodoro, represented here, stands as a silent witness to centuries of Roman history. Asselijn's choice to capture this particular view speaks to a Protestant fascination with Catholic imagery. This drawing not only documents a physical place, but it also encapsulates the complex layers of cultural exchange and the negotiation of identity that defined the artistic landscape of the time. Ultimately, ‘View of S. Teodoro in Rome’ invites us to consider the personal and historical forces that shape an artist's vision, even in a seemingly simple sketch.