View of the exterior of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, from Vedute di Roma (Roman Views) 1743 - 1753

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, made sometime in the mid-18th century, captures St. Peter’s Basilica, an icon of papal power in the heart of the Vatican. Piranesi, who was trained as an architect, devoted much of his career to depicting Roman monuments with dramatic flair. Piranesi's Rome exists in a complex relationship with its own history. His architectural fantasies and cityscapes were created during a time when Rome was both a center of religious authority and a destination for wealthy Europeans on the Grand Tour. The artist often played with scale and perspective, creating prints that enhanced the grandeur of Rome’s buildings and monuments. Note how the Basilica looms large in the composition, dwarfing the figures in the foreground, perhaps an allusion to the overwhelming power of the Catholic Church? Piranesi's vision of Rome tapped into a sense of both awe and critique, recognizing its historical weight while subtly questioning its contemporary role. His prints invite viewers to contemplate the layers of history embedded within the city.