Interior of St. Peter’s, with the Illumination of the Cross of St. Peter

1787

Francesco Piranesi

Associated Names
Francesco Piranesi

Artist, Italian, c. 1758 - 1810

This is a drawing of the interior of a church or cathedral. It features a large, intricately designed religious space with a soaring dome, ornate columns, and detailed ceiling motifs. In the foreground, there is a structure resembling an altar or central canopy with twisted columns, adorned with intricate carvings and ornamental features. The background shows tall walls rising up to the elaborate ceiling, filled with geometric designs and panels. Light enters through windows high above, illuminating a central area with a large cross. The drawing captures the monumental scale and architectural detail of historical ecclesiastical buildings, providing a view into the church interior.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Boston, MA); purchased 2016 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

below image in plate: Prospetto interiore del Tempio Vaticano veduto nelle sere di Giovedi, e del Venerdi Santi al chiarore della gran Croce di metallo illuminata sospesa nella Nave principale dinnanzi all'Altar Maggiore quando la Santita' Sua si porta alla venerazione del Volto Santo; lower right margin in graphite: No 3-

Wikidata ID

Q77258391

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