Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Papal Benediction 1530 - 1580

This anonymous engraving, *Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Papal Benediction*, depicts a grand ceremony in Rome. The artist meticulously captures the architectural grandeur of the city, specifically St. Peter's Basilica, which looms in the background. The scene unfolds in a bustling piazza, teeming with a multitude of people gathered to witness the Pope's blessing. The detailed depiction of the crowd, including the carriages and horses, highlights the scale and pageantry of the event. This work offers a valuable glimpse into the rituals and pomp of papal life in 16th-century Rome.