Interior of Saint Peter's, Rome, Antique View from Payne's Universum, circa 1850

This is a view of the interior of Saint Peter's in Rome, an original antique steel engraving, uncolored, circa 1850. The caption reads DAS INNERE DER PETER'S KIRCHE ZU ROM., German for the interior of Saint Peter's church in Rome, with PAYNE'S UNIVERSUM below.

The view is framed by two massive fluted pilasters and looks into the crossing under the dome. Bernini's twisted columned canopy stands over the high altar at the center, with the apse beyond it. Coffered vaults open to left and right, medallions fill the pendentives, and statues stand in niches on the piers. A seated bronze figure on a pedestal is at the right edge and a standing statue in a niche at the left. Small figures cross the patterned marble pavement.

The credit Leipzig, d. Engl: Kunst Anstalt. A. H. Payne sc. is engraved at the center just below the image, naming the English art establishment of A. H. Payne in Leipzig and Payne as engraver. No plate number appears on the sheet.

The sheet comes from a dealer's album rather than from a bound set. The lettering PAYNE'S UNIVERSUM identifies the series, a collection of engraved views issued by Albert Henry Payne at Leipzig. Bernini's bronze baldacchino over the high altar of Saint Peter's was completed in 1633.

Even age toning. Handling soiling along the bottom and left edges. Slight wear at the bottom right corner.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.