Giovanni Paolo Panini
In the 18th century, as it is now, the Pantheon was one of the great tourist attractions of Rome. Built under Hadrian in the 2nd century CE, this monumental domed temple has survived mostly intact, owing to its consecration as a Christian church (Santa Maria Rotunda) in 609 CE. Giovanni Paolo Panini's depiction is populated with foreign visitors and a lively mix of Romans from all social strata who congregate in the Pantheon to pray, to chat, and to admire the wondrous architecture. Look at all these wonderful details! As Canaletto was to Venice, so Panini was to Rome. Both artists documented with exacting skill and vibrancy the monuments of their cities and the daily comings and goings of the inhabitants.
Trained in architecture and theatrical design, Panini manipulated the perspective to show a larger view of the interior than is actually possible from any single place. The viewpoint is deep within the building, facing the entrance. The portals open to the colossal columns of the porch and a glimpse of the obelisk in the piazza before the church. Through the oculus in the center of the dome, Panini revealed the bright blue sky flecked with clouds.
P.S. Does Panini's surname sound familiar to you? If you are a foodie or just happen to like art and food, here's a list of Italian artists with food in their names.
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