Rome: A view of the Tiber, with the Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's beyond

This charming painting presents a view of the Tiber taken from the North, with the Basilica of Saint Peter and the Palace of the Vatican beyond. On the right-hand side the bulk of the Castel Sant' ’Angelo rises above the fields that once surrounded it, while its bridge is crowned by the sculptures placed there between 1669 and 1671. On the external rampart of the castle's grounds is the Medici coat-of-arm. A number of figures animate the beach under the ramparts while others drive small boats sliding slowly along the river.

This image of Rome has always inspired great excitement among both Italian and foreigner collectors--the depiction of the Castel Sant' ’Angelo and Saint Peter's, probably the most well-known monuments of the city, was an enduring and favourite subject.