View of Saint Peter's from the Palace of the Caesars, with Circus Maximus Below n.d.

This pencil drawing by Richard Wilson, a leading figure in the British landscape tradition, depicts a breathtaking view of the city of Rome. The artist captures the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance, rising above the Circus Maximus, one of the ancient city’s most celebrated structures. This quick sketch, a memento of Wilson’s travels, captures the grandeur of the Roman cityscape with subtle detail and an airy perspective. The work, currently held in the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into Wilson’s creative process and the enduring allure of ancient Rome.