The number of versions of this composition testifies to its popularity with Joli's clientele (see, for instance, the catalogue of the exhibition, Vedute italiane del '700 in collezioni private italiane, Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra, Sant'Apollonia, Venice,
19 Sept.-8 Nov.1987, pp.91-2, no.60, illustrated in colour p.102; L. Salerno, I Pittori di Vedute in Italia (1580-1830), Rome, 1991, p.248; and the pictures sold in these Rooms, 1 April 1960, lot 104, 2 July 1965, lot 93, 1 July 1966, lot 15, 29 June 1973, lot 44 and 9 April 1990, lot 84). The size of the present, hitherto unrecorded, picture makes it quite exceptional, the largest of the previously known versions measuring 74 x 126cm. (The vista is also unique in being widened to include both S. Giovanni dei Fiorentini to the left and the area behind Castel Sant'Angelo to the right). This strongly suggests that it was executed, along with the following two lots, as the result of a specific commission, although the circumstances are unfortunately not known. As Joli's most popular subject, views of Castel Sant'Angelo formed parts of three of the five decorative schemes executed by Joli in England and recorded by Edward Croft-Murray, Decorative Painting in England 1537-1837, II, Feltham, 1970, p.226; another version is inscribed as having been executed in Madrid