Various Artists

Uses and Customs - Interior of the Gallery De-Cristoforis - Lithograph - 1862

1862

Uses and Customs - Interior of the Palace of Fine Arts, etc., of Brera in Milan is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all t...

Uses and Customs - Interior of the Cathedral of Milan is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe...

Uses and Customs - Dé Cenci's House is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the...

Interior of the Parthenon is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the governmen...

Title: Interior of Santo Stefano Rotondo, Rome – Benoist 1869 Lithograph Description: This remarkable 19th-century lithograph depicts the interior of Santo Stefano Rotondo (San Stefano Rotondo al Celio), one of Rome’s most unique and historically significant early Christian churches. 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 publication devoted to presenting Rome as a unified historical and architectural panorama. The composition captures the extraordinary circular interior of the church, emphasizing its rare centralized plan supported by a ring of classical columns. The sweeping curvature of the architecture and the rhythm of evenly spaced columns create a powerful spatial effect, drawing the viewer toward the central altar beneath the vast timbered ceiling. Benoist carefully renders the structural clarity of this early Christian monument, whose design reflects the transition from Roman imperial architecture to Christian sacred space. Figures dressed in contemporary 19th-century attire move calmly through the interior, providing scale and reinforcing the continuity between ancient architecture and modern life. Their presence adds a human dimension to the monumental setting, transforming the church from archaeological subject into a living environment. The delicate tonal range characteristic of Benoist’s lithographic style conveys soft interior light and enhances the serene, contemplative atmosphere of the space. Santo Stefano Rotondo, located on the Caelian Hill, is among Rome’s oldest circular churches, traditionally associated with early Christian martyrdom and pilgrimage. Its unusual architectural form fascinated Grand Tour travelers and scholars alike, making it an especially compelling subject within Rome dans sa Grandeur. The lithograph’s strong geometry and balanced composition make it highly decorative while retaining significant historical depth. It works beautifully in refined interiors, libraries, studies, or gallery settings where architectural imagery with intellectual and cultural resonance is desired. Condition report: Good antique condition overall. Light age-related toning and scattered foxing, primarily visible in the margins. Image remains crisp with strong architectural detail. No significant tears or restorations observed. Framing tips: A wide ivory or warm cream mat enhances the circular composition and emphasizes spatial depth. Frames in dark walnut, ebonized wood, or antique gilt complement the classical architecture. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the print and maintain clarity. Technique: Lithograph Maker: Félix Benoist after Bayot, Paris, 1869 SEO keyword block: Santo Stefano Rotondo lithograph, Rome dans sa Grandeur print, San Stefano Rotondo interior, Félix Benoist Rome, early Christian church Rome, 19th century Rome architecture print...

Interior of St. Peter’s Basilica Vatican Rome – Benoist Lithograph 1869 Description: This impressive architectural lithograph depicts the monumental interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, one of the most celebrated sacred spaces in the world. Produced by Félix Benoist after Bayot and published in Paris in 1869 as part of the renowned series *Rome dans sa Grandeur, the print captures the overwhelming scale and grandeur of the basilica through refined perspective and masterful tonal execution. The composition presents a sweeping view down the nave toward the high altar and Bernini’s famed baldachin, framed by colossal piers and richly ornamented arches. Benoist carefully emphasizes the immense verticality of the structure: soaring coffered vaults, monumental columns, and sculptural decoration guide the viewer’s eye into deep spatial recession. The precise architectural rendering reflects the 19th-century fascination with Rome as both an artistic ideal and a spiritual center of Europe. Small elegantly dressed figures scattered throughout the interior provide scale and animation, reinforcing the astonishing proportions of the basilica while evoking the experience of visitors during the Grand Tour era. The subtle gradation of light, filtering through clerestory windows and dissolving into atmospheric shadow, demonstrates the sophistication of French lithographic technique at its height. Every ornamental detail—from sculpted niches to elaborate entablatures—is rendered with clarity yet softened by delicate tonal harmony. During the nineteenth century, views of St. Peter’s were among the most sought-after souvenirs of Rome, symbolizing not only religious devotion but also architectural achievement and cultural prestige. This print exemplifies the ambition of *Rome dans sa Grandeur*, a publication intended to present Rome as a living museum of civilization, uniting antiquity, Renaissance mastery, and modern observation. Its wide panoramic format and balanced monochrome palette make the work particularly effective as decorative wall art, suitable for both classical interiors and contemporary spaces seeking historical depth and architectural elegance. Condition report: Good antique condition overall. Light age-related toning and occasional spotting mainly in the margins. Image area remains clean with strong contrast and fine detail. Minor edge wear consistent with age. Framing tips: A deep ivory or warm museum-white mat enhances the architectural depth. Dark walnut, ebonized, or gilt frames complement the classical subject. Museum glass is recommended to preserve tonal subtlety and minimize reflections. Technique: Lithograph Maker: Félix Benoist after Bayot, Paris, 1869 SEO keyword block: St Peters Basilica interior print, Vatican lithograph 1869, Rome dans sa Grandeur, Félix Benoist Rome print, Vatican architecture engraving, Grand Tour Rome artwork, Basilica di San Pietro interior art, antique Rome architectural print...

Over 350 year old antique copper engraving of the floor plan to the Palace of Cardinal Este located in Tivoli, Italy by Italian Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi, 1650. Original artwork on ...

Over 350 year old antique copper engraving of the floor plan to the Spada palace in Rome, Italy by Italian Giacomo Rossi, 1650. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat wi...