Artwork

Vatican: Galerie Nuovo Braccio

Vatican: Galerie Nuovo Braccio, by Charles Soulier, 1860
Vatican: Galerie Nuovo Braccio, by Charles Soulier, 1860

Vatican: Galerie Nuovo Braccio is a photography by the Impressionist artist Charles Soulier. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Vatican: Galerie Nuovo Braccio, a photograph by Charles Soulier circa 1860, captures a serene and grand interior of the Vatican's New Braccio Gallery. The image conveys the hall's opulent decor and showcases its collection of ancient Roman marble statues.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph focuses on the gallery's interior, highlighting its architectural details and statuary. The ancient Roman figures and ornate ceiling underscore the space's historical and cultural significance, while the overall composition evokes a sense of dignified tranquility.

Technique & Style

Soulier's use of available light, streaming through the skylight, accentuates the textures of the statues and the polished stone floor. The long, central perspective of the hallway, with the stone urn as a focal point, suggests a deliberate compositional choice to convey the gallery's depth and grandeur.

History & Provenance

Created around 1860 by Charles Soulier, the photograph is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Soulier

Charles Soulier (1840–1875) was a French artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.