Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Sepulchre of Julius II 1582

Giovanni Ambrogio Brambilla created this print of the Sepulchre of Julius II in Italy in 1588. Brambilla's image invites us to consider the monument’s original ambition against its final form. The print captures the elaborate, multi-tiered design initially conceived by Michelangelo for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Commissioned in 1505, the project was intended for St. Peter's Basilica. The design features numerous sculptures, including Moses, and evokes classical grandeur. However, due to various constraints, including financial and political pressures, the tomb was significantly scaled down. It was eventually placed in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli. Brambilla’s print comes a few decades after the project's completion, at a time of growing appreciation for antiquarianism and the display of knowledge. Images like this served as important resources for artists, scholars, and patrons. Through prints and drawings, the Roman art of sepulchre became available for study and emulation, influencing artistic and cultural tastes far beyond Italy. Historical analysis reveals much about the complex interplay of artistic vision, papal authority, and socio-economic realities.