A View in Rome
- Artist: Claude
- Date: 1632
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "A View in Rome" by Claude. Painted in 1632, this is one of his early works. The painting depicts a distant view of sixteenth-century Rome, with the church of Santa Trinità de' Monti recognizable by its two clock towers on the left. Beside it is the convent of the Sacro Cuore, which now sits atop the Spanish Steps.
In the foreground, you see an ancient temple and a statue of Apollo, god of music, holding a lyre. The young man in the hat may be giving alms to the peasant woman or paying for the services of the two young girls behind her. This scene is slightly unusual compared to Claude's other works, leading some to speculate that it might have been painted by another artist.
However, the subtle changes and alterations made to the figures and background details suggest a single artist - most likely Claude - at work. The buildings in this piece are depicted in a somewhat sketchy style, lacking the intricate detail and perspective seen in his later works. The contrast between light and shade is also notable, with the background shown in bold sunlight while the foreground remains dark.
Claude was influenced by other artists during this period, such as Willem van Nieulandt II and Agostino Tassi, who combined real and imaginary elements in their landscapes. This early work showcases Claude's developing style and his experimentation with different techniques.
See it in person
A View in Rome hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
