Montagu after Jean Barbault

Veduta dell Esterno della Basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano, Architettura di Michel-Angelo Buonarota.

29 x 23

A large scale, folio etching on copper by D. Montagu after Jean Barbault, published in Rome in 1763.

This magnificent plate is one of many that appeared in a collection entitled 'The Most Beautiful Edifices of Modern Rome' after the draughtsmanship of Jean Barbault. Saint Peter's in the Vatican was, and remains to this day, the grandest and most visited of Rome's many sites and this particular view concentrates on the sacristy.

Barbault (1718-1762) was a French artist and engraver who travelled to Rome in the 1740s and, once there, became established as a competent artist recording the monuments of ancient and modern Rome. He is often compared favourably with Piranesi, whom he followed, and his work certainly bears a certain resemblance in style and scale. Let us not forget that the 1760s when this print was published were peak "Grand Tour" period when many an English Milord travelled to Italy in search of a classical education and sought out souvenirs of their trip other than syphilis and debauchery!

£1200