Giovanni Paolo Panini, Italian, c.1692-1765
Title: A Capriccio with Saint Paul Preaching to the Romans, with the Temple of Vesta and Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Date: 1742
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
72.5 x 98 cm
Signed: lower left: I.P. Panini Romae 1742
Credit Line: Milltown Gift, 1902
Object Number: NGI.727
Label TextPanini was known for combining a number of identifiable Roman buildings or monuments into made-up views. In this example, the round Temple of the Vestal Virgins in the Roman Forum has been neatly linked to the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, a tomb located near the river Tiber. Against it is the Belvedere Antinous, admired in the eighteenth century for its perfect male proportions. This statue was once situated in the Belvedere Courtyard of the Vatican. The second subject of Saint Paul preaching was only identified more recently, as the figures included are all in antique dress.