Gezicht op het Lateraan met de Sint-Jan van Lateranen te Rome Possibly 1675 - 1717

This is Pieter Schenk’s print of the Lateran Square and the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, made around 1700. Notice how Schenk has structured the composition around linear perspective. Diagonal lines converge towards a vanishing point which is slightly off-center. This technique creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer's eye into the city. The architectural forms are rendered with sharp precision. This print reflects the period's fascination with urban spaces as stages for power and social life. Schenk uses the buildings to frame the square. It also acts as a backdrop for human activity. The sky, with its dramatic clouds, adds a layer of dynamism to the scene. The print is more than just a depiction of a place. It’s a structured presentation of Rome as a center of authority and spectacle, inviting us to consider the interplay between space, power, and perception.