View Of Piazza Del Popolo In Rome. Workshop Of Gaspar Van Wittel (1653-1736)

View of Piazza del Popolo, Rome

Italy, circa 1700 Oil on canvas, 75 × 100 cm. With his frame: 72 x 112 cmThis Italian painting from around 1700 presents a lively and architecturally rich view of Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s most iconic squares. At the center stands the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, with its classical façade, dome, and bell tower. To the right, partially cropped, the famous Egyptian obelisk marks the monumental entrance to the square.The composition is animated by figures engaged in daily activities, lending the scene a vibrant, lived-in atmosphere. The artist demonstrates a strong grasp of perspective and architectural detail, blending Renaissance and Baroque elements with a keen sense of urban rhythm.The view closely corresponds to an engraving by Israel Sylvestre (1621–1691), official engraver to Louis XIV, who captured this same perspective in his Roman series. The painting also aligns stylistically with the work of Gaspar van Wittel (1653–1736), a Dutch-born painter active in Rome, renowned for his topographical cityscapes (vedute). Though unsigned, the canvas reflects the influence of van Wittel’s precise and panoramic approach to urban representation.This work is a fine example of early 18th-century Italian vedutismo, appealing to collectors interested in Grand Tour imagery and classical architecture.Provenance :·       Collection particulière, Rome (selon tradition orale)·       Acquis par un marchand français dans les années 1980·       Collection privée, ParisBibliographie comparative :·       Israel Sylvestre, Recueil de vues de Rome, vers 1655–1670·       Wittkower, Rudolf. Art and Architecture in Italy 1600–1750, Penguin Books·       Boucher, Bruce. Italian Baroque Architecture, Thames & HudsonRelined on a keyed stretcher, this painting is in superb condition and is sold with its certificate of authenticity.