Cathedram S. Petri in interiore templi fronte...Plate 41 from the Album 'Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano' 1666 - 1700

This etching by François Spierre depicts the interior of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The engraving, part of the "Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano" album, provides a detailed view of the main altar, showcasing its elaborate design, the figures surrounding it, and the dramatic lighting that shines from the ceiling above. Spierre’s meticulous depiction captures the grandeur of the Basilica and its role as a central site of Catholic worship. The use of light and shadow highlights the architectural details and adds a sense of depth to the composition. This etching would have been of great interest to 17th-century viewers as it provided a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Catholic Church.