Artwork
S. Giovanni in Laterano
S. Giovanni in Laterano is an ink print by the Baroque artist Israël Silvestre. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. S.
About this work
Overview
S. Giovanni in Laterano is a 1650 etching on laid paper by Israël Silvestre, a French artist renowned for detailed topographical prints. The work captures a perspective view of Rome's Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
Subject & Meaning
The etching focuses on the basilica, highlighting its architectural complexity with two towers, a central spire, multiple windows, and varied roof styles. Everyday life is subtly included with figures and a carriage near water, possibly a river or canal, alongside a bridge or dock.
Technique & Style
Silvestre employed fine etching lines to achieve a near three-dimensional effect, emphasizing detail and texture. This meticulous approach was characteristic of his work, derived from on-site sketches.
History & Provenance
Orphaned early, Silvestre was apprenticed to his uncle, a Parisian etcher and print-seller with ties to Jacques Callot. He traveled extensively, producing sketches that became the basis for his prints, including this one, sold both individually and as part of series.
Context
Part of Silvestre's broader series on famous European buildings, S. Giovanni in Laterano reflects 17th-century interest in architectural and topographical documentation through printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israel Silvestre (13 August 1621 in Nancy – 11 October 1691 in Paris), called the Younger to distinguish him from his father, was a prolific French draftsman, etcher and print dealer who specialized in topographical views and perspectives…
Castle under Siege
Vuë de l'Eglise sainct Pierre, et du Chasteau Sainct Ange
Palais de la Reyne Catherine de Medicis
Veue de Berny a deux lieues de Paris sur le chemin d'Orléans
L'Eglise Saincte Sophie de Constantinople, bastie par Constantin le Grand; a present Mosquée du Grand seigneur
Campo Vacina
Veuë d'une partie de la place Navonne a Rome
Veue de l'Eglise nostre Dame de Rouen
S. Croce in Gierusalem
Villa Foscari Vista di Fianco
Views: View of Dolo, A Town on the Brenta, West of Venice
S. Maria Maggiore![Imaginary View of S. Giacomo di Rialto [upper right], by Canaletto](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/canaletto--imaginary-view-of-s-giacomo-di-rialto-upper-right--fbcdbcf32cc02bea-w320.webp)
Imaginary View of S. Giacomo di Rialto [upper right]
Veduta della Piaza et Palazo di St. Marco in Roma
Al Dolo
Chiesa dedicata à S. Pietro Apostolo (Church of San Pietro in Montorio)
Veue d'une Antiquité de Constantin proche de Rome