Antique Optical Print: View of the Roman Campidoglio

This beautifully coloured antique print shows a picturesque 'view' of the famous Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) in Rome, a masterpiece designed by Michelangelo. The engraving, or vue d'optique, highlights the impressive architecture and the vibrancy of 18th-century Rome.

Central to the image is the monumental staircase (scalinata) leading to the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, with the stately Cordonata staircase leading to the square itself in the foreground. The square is animated with figures, carriages, and market life, contributing to its historical charm.

The print was made by the renowned German publisher Georg Balthasar Probst (1732-1801) from Augsburg, who was known for his vues d'optique that were popular as souvenirs and could be viewed through a special optical instrument. The print is hand-coloured and, despite slight signs of use and age spots, it is a rare and valuable piece of topographical art.

Dimensions: approximately 43 by 31 cm

Condition: Fair to good
Date: 1760