Gallery of Views of Modern Rome

One of the most amazing examples of eighteenth-century European veduta and capriccio paintings is the Gallery of Views of Modern Rome (Vedute di Roma Moderna), created in 1757 by Giovanni Paolo Panini. This enormous canvas was ordered by the French diplomat Étienne François, Count of Stainville. The work represents a breathtaking imaginary gallery hall filled with numerous miniatures of Rome's architectural and art masterpieces from the Renaissance period until now. Panini shows a large visual list of the city's identity after its classical era through tight arrangements along high walls and the placement against huge marble columns. Panini captures some famous sights like the huge oval square of Saint Peter's Basilica, cascading fountains of the Trevi Fountain and huge dome of Santa Maria Maggiore. The architectural background is created through an excellent linear perspective system that guides the viewer's eye through high vaults of the great salon. Thus, the artist managed to present many separate cityscapes in one united interior space. This imaginary hall is filled with classy figures, which adds a vivid story to the classical architecture. In the middle of the picture is the patron himself, who is surrounded by a group of distinguished aristocrats and foreign tourists, who study some large architectural prints shown in the hall on tables. In addition, beautiful miniatures of the Baroque sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, including the famous Apollo and Daphne, the dynamic David, and the high Fountain of the Four Rivers are presented as three-dimensional objects, making it impossible to tell the difference between real three-dimensional and two-dimensional gallery decoration. Sunshine comes through big arched thermal windows, which create beautiful lights on polished marble floors and paints rich colors of miniatures. This special interaction between sun rays and classical architecture creates an illusion of the theatrical play. Finally, the painting made by Panini is both a genuine summary of the early modern Rome’s achievements and a great symbol of the wealthy travelers of the age of Enlightenment.