Piazza del Quirinale, Rome – Antique Architectural Square Print, 1869

The Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda, Rome – Benoist 1869 Lithograph NOTE: This original antique lithograph is offered unframed, allowing the buyer full freedom of framing choice. Description: This impressive 19th-century lithograph depicts the Pantheon of Agrippa and the lively Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, one of the most iconic urban spaces of the Eternal City. Created by Félix Benoist after Bayot and published in Paris in 1869, the print forms part of the celebrated series Rome dans sa Grandeur, an ambitious artistic project dedicated to portraying Rome as a unified historical landscape where antiquity and modern life coexist. The composition centers on the monumental façade of the Pantheon, its classical portico supported by massive Corinthian columns and crowned by the famous inscription honoring Marcus Agrippa. The ancient temple—by the 19th century functioning as the Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres—dominates the scene with timeless architectural authority. In front of the building stands the fountain and obelisk of Piazza della Rotonda, anchoring the bustling square. Benoist enriches the architectural setting with animated scenes of daily Roman life. A preacher addresses a gathered crowd in the foreground, while families, children, merchants, and passersby fill the piazza, creating a vivid impression of civic and social activity. Horse-drawn carriages and market stalls further emphasize the Pantheon’s role not only as a historic monument but as the living center of an active neighborhood. This blending of monumentality and everyday life is characteristic of Rome dans sa Grandeur, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with Rome as both archaeological treasure and modern city. The lithographic technique demonstrates exceptional precision and tonal subtlety. Fine architectural detailing contrasts with soft atmospheric shading, lending depth to the sky and enhancing the sense of space within the square. The balanced composition and recognizable subject make this print particularly appealing to collectors of Roman views, Grand Tour imagery, and classical architectural prints...

Piazza Colonna and Column of Marcus Aurelius, Rome – Benoist 1869 Lithograph Description: This finely detailed 19th-century lithograph depicts Piazza Colonna along the Via del Corso in Rome, centered on the monumental Column of Marcus Aurelius. Created by Félix Benoist after Bayot and published in Paris in 1869, the print forms part of the celebrated series Rome dans sa Grandeur, an ambitious artistic undertaking designed to portray Rome as a unified historical city where ancient monuments coexist with modern urban life. The composition is dominated by the towering spiral column erected in honor of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, its sculpted reliefs carefully rendered despite the monument’s height and complexity. The column rises dramatically from the busy square, surrounded by elegant palazzi including Palazzo Chigi and neighboring historic buildings that frame the piazza with balanced architectural symmetry. In the foreground, horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians, and daily street activity animate the space, transforming the monumental setting into a vivid scene of 19th-century Roman life. Benoist’s lithographic technique demonstrates both architectural precision and atmospheric sensitivity. The carefully structured perspective leads the viewer into the square, while subtle tonal gradations create depth and clarity beneath a softly illuminated sky. As with other plates in Rome dans sa Grandeur, the image presents Rome not as a static archaeological site but as a living capital shaped by layers of history—from imperial antiquity to contemporary urban society. Piazza Colonna has long served as a political and ceremonial center of Rome, and its inclusion in the series reflects the 19th-century fascination with Rome’s continuity between classical heritage and modern civic identity. The recognizable monument and balanced composition make this print particularly appealing to collectors of Roman views, Grand Tour imagery, and architectural prints. Its strong vertical emphasis and refined tonal palette make the lithograph highly decorative, suitable for both classical interiors and contemporary spaces seeking historical character and architectural elegance. Condition report: Good antique condition overall. Light age-related toning and scattered foxing, primarily visible in the margins. Image remains clear with strong detail and contrast. No significant tears or restorations observed. Framing tips: A generous ivory or warm cream mat enhances the monumentality of the central column and balances the panoramic composition. Frames in dark walnut, ebonized wood, or antique gold complement the classical subject. Museum glass is recommended for long-term protection. Technique: Lithograph Maker: Félix Benoist after Bayot, Paris, 1869 SEO keyword block: Piazza Colonna lithograph, Column of Marcus Aurelius print, Rome dans sa Grandeur, Félix Benoist Rome, Via del Corso Rome view, 19th century Rome cityscape, antique Rome architecture print...

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Façade, Rome – Benoist 1869 Lithograph This elegant 19th-century lithograph depicts the principal façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, on...

Title: Courtyard of Palazzo Venezia, Rome – Benoist 1869 Lithograph Description: This refined 19th-century lithograph depicts the courtyard of Palazzo Venezia in Rome, including the Church of San Marco, presenting an elegant architectural view at the heart of the historic city. Created by Félix Benoist after Bayot and published in Paris in 1869, the print forms part of the renowned series Rome dans sa Grandeur, an ambitious publication dedicated to portraying Rome as a unified and living historical environment. The composition focuses on the harmonious Renaissance courtyard, framed by arcaded loggias and balanced architectural proportions characteristic of Roman palatial design. The rhythmic sequence of arches creates strong perspective depth, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the inner façade and rising towers beyond. At the center of the courtyard stands an ornamental fountain, around which figures gather, converse, and pass through the space, animating the architecture with scenes of everyday life. Benoist’s lithographic technique combines documentary precision with atmospheric refinement. Architectural details—columns, cornices, windows, and masonry textures—are rendered with clarity, while delicate tonal gradations soften the overall composition, creating a calm and luminous ambiance. As with other plates from Rome dans sa Grandeur, the image emphasizes continuity between past and present, presenting Rome not merely as a collection of monuments but as a functioning urban environment shaped by centuries of history. Palazzo Venezia itself played an important political and cultural role in Rome, serving variously as a papal residence, diplomatic seat, and administrative center. This historical significance enhances the appeal of the print for collectors interested in Roman architecture, Renaissance urban spaces, and Grand Tour imagery. The lithograph’s balanced geometry and serene atmosphere make it particularly suitable for interior display. Its architectural elegance works beautifully in both classical and contemporary interiors, especially libraries, studies, or refined living spaces seeking historical depth and visual structure. Condition report: Good antique condition overall. Light age-related toning and scattered foxing, mainly confined to the margins. Image remains clear and well-printed. No significant tears or restorations observed. Framing tips: A generous ivory or warm cream mat enhances the architectural symmetry and tonal subtlety. Frames in dark walnut, ebonized wood, or antique gilt complement the Renaissance subject matter. Museum glass is recommended for conservation and clarity. Technique: Lithograph Maker: Félix Benoist after Bayot, Paris, 1869 SEO keyword block: Palazzo Venezia courtyard lithograph, Rome dans sa Grandeur print, Félix Benoist Rome, Renaissance courtyard Rome, San Marco Rome print...

View of Piazza del Quirinale is a contemporary artwork. Lithograph on paper printed by "Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato".

Tinted lithograph by Philippe Benoist (1813-1881) after Felix Benoist. Figures by Bayot. From a French series titled 'Rome dans Sa Grandeur', circa...

'Piazza e Basilica de Santi Apostoli. Palazzi Odescalchi e Colonna' Tinted lithograph by Philippe Benoist (1813-1881). From a French series titled 'Rome dans Sa Grandeur', circa 18...

'Cortile del Palazzo di Venezia, Colla Chiesa di San Marco' Tinted lithograph by Eugene Ciceri after Felix Benoist. Figures by Bayot. From a French series titled 'Rome dans Sa Gran...