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Giovanni Paolo Panini (artist) Italian, 1691 - 1765 Interior of the Pantheon, Rome, c. 1734 oil on canvas Overall: 128 x 99 cm (50 3/8 x 39 in.) framed: 144.1 x 114.3 cm (56 3/4 x 45 in.) Samuel H. Kress Collection 1939.1.24 On View |
In Pannini's day, as in our own, the Pantheon was one of the great tourist attractions of Rome. Built under Hadrian in the second century, this monumental domed temple has survived intact, owing to its consecration as a Christian church -- Santa Maria Rotunda -- in AD 609. Pannini's depiction is populated with foreign visitors and a lively mix of Romans from all social strata who congregate in the Pantheon to pray, to chat, and to admire the wondrous architecture.
Trained in architecture and theatrical design, Pannini manipulated the perspective to show a larger view of the interior than is actuary possible from any single place. The viewpoint is deep within the building, facing the entrance. The portals open to the colossal columns of the porch and a glimpse of the obelisk in the piazza before the church. Through the oculus in the center of the dome, Pannini revealed the bright blue sky flecked with clouds.
As Canaletto was to Venice, so Pannini was to Rome. Both artists documented with exacting skill and vibrancy the monuments of their cities and the daily comings and goings of the inhabitants. In this case, Pannini depicted the classical landmark that inspired the design of the Rotunda in the National Gallery's West Building.