Who painted Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome]?

Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome] was painted by Nicolas Beatrizet in 1562.

Where can I see Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome]?

Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome]?

Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome] is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome]?

Museum-quality prints of Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome]

Nicolas Beatrizet , 1562

Castello S. Angelo di Roma [Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Nicolas Beatrizet. It dates from 1562 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:Lettered UL: "En tibi quis quis es lector iucundissime quem aeneis Nicolai Beatricii Lotharingi pereleganter formis repraesentata [...] vale"

About this work

Overview

The print reflects the Renaissance interest in accurately documenting classical antiquity and contemporary urban life.

Nicolas Beatrizet's 1562 engraving, Castello S. Angelo di Roma, offers a precise topographical view of the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. The composition centers on the massive cylindrical mausoleum of Hadrian, rendered with rigorous attention to architectural detail, including its crenellated battlements and the distinct bridge leading to the entrance. Beatrizet employs a dense network of cross-hatching to model the stone surfaces, creating a strong sense of volume and texture that distinguishes the fortress from the surrounding landscape.

The perspective is elevated, allowing for a clear depiction of the castle's defensive walls, the adjacent Tiber River, and the urban fabric of Rome in the background. Created during the artist's mature period in Rome, this work exemplifies the 16th-century tradition of the veduta, serving both as an artistic record and a documentary source for the city's monuments. Beatrizet, known for his reproductive prints after Raphael and other masters, applied his technical skill to architectural subjects, capturing the enduring presence of this ancient structure which had evolved from a mausoleum to a papal fortress. The print reflects the Renaissance interest in accurately documenting classical antiquity and contemporary urban life.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures the architectural prominence of Castel Sant’Angelo, a former mausoleum turned defensive stronghold. By emphasizing the massive central tower and the enclosing walls, the image underscores the building’s dual role as a symbol of imperial power and a fortified refuge within the urban fabric of Renaissance Rome.

Technique & Style

Beatrizet employs a dense cross‑hatching technique, using fine, intersecting lines to model surfaces and convey depth. This method creates a textured effect that distinguishes stone, shadow, and water in the moat. The meticulous line work reflects the Northern European print tradition that influenced Italian engravers of the mid‑16th century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1562, the engraving was likely produced for a market of collectors interested in architectural views of notable Roman landmarks. While specific ownership records are scarce, prints of this type circulated among scholars and travelers, contributing to the visual documentation of Rome’s monuments during the late Renaissance.