Artwork

Forma Partis Templi Divi Petri [Exterior Section of Saint Peter's Basilica]

Forma Partis Templi Divi Petri [Exterior Section of Saint Peter's Basilica] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Forma Partis Templi Divi Petri is a 16th-century engraving depicting the exterior of Saint Peter's Basilica.

Inscription: Inscribed:Lettered upper right: "Forma partis Templi Divi Petri in Vaticano", "Michael Angelus Bonarotus Inventor" Lettered lower left and right: "Romae Vincentius Luchinus Excu." "Cum Privilegio MDLXIIII" Lettered upper left: "Pio IIII P. M. Dicatum"

About this work

It’s a print you can find at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

This engraving shows Saint Peter’s Basilica as it was in 1564. The artist used fine lines to carve every column and dome. It looks almost like a blueprint, but full of life.

This print wasn’t made by just one person. After Michelangelo’s death, a team of Italian engravers finished it. They worked from plans to capture the building’s bold shape.

Take a closer look at the cross-hatching technique. See how shadows build depth in the columns? It’s a print you can find at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

Forma Partis Templi Divi Petri is a 16th-century engraving depicting the exterior of Saint Peter's Basilica. Created in 1564, it is a notable example of an architectural print from the period.

Technique & Style

The engraving features fine lines and detailed rendering of the basilica's architecture, including columns and domes. The artist's use of cross-hatching creates depth and dimensionality, particularly in the representation of shadows on the columns.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Saint Peter's Basilica as it appeared in 1564, capturing its bold architectural form. The level of detail suggests a focus on accurately representing the building's design.

History & Provenance

The engraving was created after Michelangelo's designs by a team of Italian artists following his death. It is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.