St. Peter's Illuminated By Fireworks, French, Circa 1770

Price: $3,600

Era: 1700s / 18th century

Country of Origin: Italy

Materials: Paint > Watercolor, Paper

Condition: Excellent Condition

Style: Decorating Style > Classical

Item description:
Gouache over etched outline. In the 18th century, great events and holidays were celebrated with an Illumination, where buildings and monuments were strung with fireworks and torches. This gouache shows the Basilica of St. Peter, the Piazza and Bernini’s Colonnade outlined with fireworks against the night sky. Painted as a Grand Tour souvenir for a French visitor to Rome. Inscribed “S. Pierre au vatican de nuit avec la luminade de fiaccole.” in pen and ink on the reverse. provenance: Phillip's, London