A View of Rome from Santa Maria del Priorato

c. 1710

Gaspar van Wittel

Associated Names
Gaspar van Wittel

Artist, Dutch, 1652/1653 - 1736

The image shows a view from an elevated position with a large architectural entrance on the right. The horizon is in the middle with a prominent dome, likely St. Peter's Basilica, framed by buildings and trees. The drawing is in pen with fine strokes outlining architecture, foliage, and figures. The color palette is subdued, with beige tones contrasting with dark ink lines. In the background, there are buildings and foliage, creating depth and perspective, with light sketching lines suggesting celestial figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image shows sketches of different human figures on textured paper. In the foreground, there is a sketch of a seated or crouching person from behind, with curly hair and looking over the shoulder. Below, there is a sketch of a nude man standing. To the left, there is a bust sketch of an elderly face with expressive features and hair. Above, there are faint small sketches of people in different poses. The background is the textured paper. The composition seems informal, indicating a page of practice sketches.

Figures from the Farnese Palace and from Life

Gaspar van Wittel

1710

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Thomas Agnew & Son, Ltd., London, 1961); Dr. Rudolf J. Heinemann, Ruvigliana, Lugano, 1966; his wife, Mrs. Rudolf J. Heinemann, New York and Lugano; gift to NGA, 2000.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1961

  • The Italian Scene, drawings by Vanvitelli, Thomas Agnew & Sons, London, 1961, no. 16.

Bibliography

1966

  • Briganti, Giuliano. Gaspar van Wittel e l'origine della veduta settecentesca. Rome, 1966: 279, no. 47d.

1973

  • Zwollo, An. Hollandse en Vlaamse veduteschilders te Rome, 1675-1725. Assen, 1973: 195, fig. 250.

1996

  • Briganti, Giuliano. Gaspar van Wittel. Milan, 1996.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left of mount in graphite: Claude Gelée dit le Lorrain / Rome, St. Pierre; by later hand, lower right of mount in brown ink: cl. lorrain; by later hand, upper right of mount in brown ink: 7156

Watermarks

bird in circle with three hills surmounted by F (similar to Heawood 166, Amsterdam 1726)

Wikidata ID

Q64571012

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