Artwork

View of Rome with the Dome of Saint Peter's and the Castel Sant' Angelo

View of Rome with the Dome of Saint Peter's and the Castel Sant' Angelo is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Giuseppe Zocchi. It dates from 1744 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper center, graphite (erased): [indecipherable]; verso, upper left, graphite: Ponte a Castel Sant con il Tevere

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created around 1744 by Giuseppe Zocchi, depicts a serene view of Rome. Executed in pen, ink, and wash on paper, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing the city's architectural landmarks.

Subject & Meaning

The scene features Rome's notable structures, including the Castel Sant'Angelo and Saint Peter's dome, set against a pale sky. A river, crossed by a bridge, separates worn buildings on the left from more substantial constructions on the right.

Technique & Style

Zocchi employed a range of techniques, including pen and brown ink, sanguine, and brown and gray wash, to achieve a nuanced representation of light and shadow. The use of soft browns and grays creates a quiet atmosphere, characteristic of his vedute style.

Context

The drawing reflects the 18th-century interest in topographical views of major Italian cities, a genre in which Zocchi was active.

A view of Rome with the Tiber, the Castle of S. Angelo, and in the background St. Peter's, Jonathan Skelton

Artist & collection

Artist

Giuseppe Zocchi

Giuseppe Zocchi (Italian pronunciation:; c. 1711–1767) was an Italian painter and printmaker active in Florence and best known for his vedute of the city.