Artwork

Eighteen Views of Rome: The Collegio di Propaganda Fide (recto); Sketches of Windows and Pilasters of the Attic Storey of the Collegio di Propaganda Fide (verso)

Eighteen Views of Rome: The Collegio di Propaganda Fide (recto); Sketches of Windows and Pilasters of the Attic Storey of the Collegio di Propaganda Fide (verso) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Lievin Cruyl. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing by Lievin Cruyl, dated 1665, presents a detailed cityscape featuring the Collegio di Propaganda Fide in Rome. The work is executed on a single sheet, with the recto depicting the main view and the verso showing supplementary architectural sketches.

Subject & Meaning

The primary subject is the Collegio di Propaganda Fide, a prominent religious institution. The depiction highlights its grand, symmetrical, and plainly adorned Baroque architecture, set amidst a serene courtyard scene with everyday activity, conveying a sense of institutional presence within daily urban life.

Technique & Style

Cruyl's use of precise lines and attention to architectural detail characterize the drawing. Faded paper, handwritten Italian notes, and faint pencil marks on the verso reveal the artwork's age and possibly its use as a study or record. The style aligns with Baroque architectural drawing practices, emphasizing clarity and accuracy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1665 by Lievin Cruyl, the drawing is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The presence of handwritten Italian notes suggests it may have been used or owned by individuals in Italy before its current ownership.

Context

The drawing reflects the Baroque architectural aesthetic prevalent in 17th-century Rome, characterized by symmetry, grandeur, and functional simplicity. It also captures a moment in the city's urban landscape during this period.

Legacy

As part of Cruyl's 'Eighteen Views of Rome,' this drawing contributes to the historical record of the city's architectural development and the spread of Baroque styles. It remains a significant example of 17th-century architectural illustration.