Artwork

Eighteen Views of Rome: The Piazza del Popolo (recto); Sketch for San Giovanni in Laterano (verso)

Eighteen Views of Rome: The Piazza del Popolo (recto); Sketch for San Giovanni in Laterano (verso) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Lievin Cruyl. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created by Lievin Cruyl in 1664, is a double-sided work featuring a cityscape on one side and a church interior sketch on the other. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The recto depicts a panoramic view of a city square, likely Piazza del Popolo in Rome, with an obelisk at its center, surrounded by buildings including a domed church and a clock tower. The verso shows a less detailed sketch of a church interior, possibly San Giovanni in Laterano.

Technique & Style

The drawing showcases Cruyl's skill in capturing urban landscapes with precise yet delicate lines. The recto is characterized by a high level of detail, while the verso is a quicker, more spontaneous study.