View of Saint Mary Major Square (Veduta di Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore)
One of the two views painted by Panini as a tribute to the architect and friend Fuga, author of the Coffee House of the Quirinale gardens where they are placed one in front of the other
Veduta di Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore (1742) by Giovanni Paolo PaniniQuirinale Palace
Enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere and intense afternoon light, this view celebrates the new, impressive façade of the ancient basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Architect of the complex construction was Ferdinando Fuga, entrusted by pope Benedict XIV.
The Basilica is superbly depicted in terms of detail.
The piazza is filled with the usual colorful bustle of figures.
To the left, a procession of carriages.
The piazza becomes the appropriate backdrop for the solemn event that is taking place on the steps of the basilica.
The pontiff is in the process of giving blessings, accompanied by his entourage.
In the left-hand corner, a group of stonemasons is at work.
A compass, a set square, and a ruler are easily visible on some of the blocks of stone: symbols, which are clearly masonic, cautiously linked to the architect's allegiance with the rules of Freemasonry or the prevailing trends at that time.
In the Coffee House of the Quirinale gardens, in front of the View of Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, there is the View of Piazza del Quirinale, also painted by Panini as a tribute to the architect Fuga, to whom he was tied by a close friendship.
