The Forum of Nerva in Rome, Seen from the Temple of Minerva

Between c. 1603 and 1607 Lastman resided in Rome, where he drew this refined view of the overgrown remains of the Forum of Nerva. Lastman frequently included such ruins in the background of his history scenes. This work surfaced only in 2012 and is one of the few extant drawings from Lastman’s Italian period.