Artwork

Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro

Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro, by Giovanni Paolo Panini, oil, 1754
Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro, by Giovanni Paolo Panini, oil, 1754

Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giovanni Paolo Panini. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro is an oil painting created in 1754 by Giovanni Paolo Panini, a prominent Italian Baroque artist and architect based in Rome.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the Duc de Choiseul’s departure from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, set amidst a bustling scene of everyday life and grand architectural backdrop, highlighting Panini’s focus on capturing urban vistas and historical moments.

Technique & Style

As a leading vedutista, Panini employed his characteristic detailed and realistic approach to render the scene, incorporating subtle atmospheric effects with soft clouds and meticulous architectural details, blending the nobility of the Duc’s departure with the vibrancy of common life.

History & Provenance

Commissioned to document the Duc de Choiseul’s visit, the painting is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin’s collection, reflecting the artist’s appeal to European nobility and his role in preserving Rome’s 18th-century image.

Context

Created during the height of Baroque influence in Rome, the work reflects the era’s emphasis on grandeur and detail, while also showcasing Panini’s unique blend of architectural precision and dynamic crowd scenes.

Legacy

This painting contributes to Panini’s legacy as a premier documenter of Rome’s architectural heritage and a master of capturing the interplay between monumental spaces and everyday Roman life in the 18th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Paolo Panini

Artist

Giovanni Paolo Panini

Giovanni Paolo, also known as Gian Paolo Panini or Pannini (17 June 1691 – 21 October 1765), was an Italian Baroque painter and architect who worked in Rome and is primarily known as one of the vedutisti ("view painters").

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