Interior of Saint Peter's
In this ink and watercolor drawing, Hubert Robert delineates the architecture of Saint Peter’s where the Scala Regia connects the Vatican apartments with the Basilica. At the intersection is a niche containing Bernini’s statue of Constantine the Great. Robert seems equivocal as to whether to approach the view in the spirit of fantasy or fidelity. He is at once faithful to his subject yet obviously deviant, adding his own invention to the architectural program.
Artwork Details
- Title: Interior of Saint Peter's
- Artist: Hubert Robert (French, Paris 1733–1808 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1758
- Medium: Pen and black ink over blue, green, and rose watercolor, gray and brown wash with red chalk underdrawing.
- Dimensions: 16 3/16 x 12 5/8 in. (41.1 x 32.1 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.1.694
- Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection
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