Veuë de l'Eglise saint Estienne de Rome - Monogrammist PL

A detailed 1689 etching depicting the circular church of Santo Stefano Rotondo in Rome, captured by the Dutch artist known as Monogrammist PL.

This etching, titled Veuë de l'Eglise saint Estienne de Rome, provides a precise topographical record of the circular church of Santo Stefano Rotondo in Rome. Attributed to the artist known as Monogrammist PL, the work dates to 1689, as indicated by the inscription at the base of the plate. The print captures the architectural form of the ancient basilica, which is situated on the Caelian Hill. The artist employs a delicate etching technique to delineate the structure, focusing on the conical roof and the surrounding ruins that define the site.

In the foreground, small figures populate the scene, providing a sense of scale to the monumental architecture. A lone figure sits with a dog on the left, while others walk through the open space, suggesting the quiet, rural character of the area during the late seventeenth century. The composition is balanced, with the church positioned to the right and a line of ruined arches extending towards the left, framed by trees. The sky is rendered with light, horizontal hatching, maintaining a clear and airy atmosphere throughout the print.

This work belongs to a tradition of topographical documentation popular among Northern European artists visiting Italy. Such prints served as visual records for collectors and travellers who wished to study the classical and Christian antiquities of Rome. The clarity of the line work and the attention to architectural detail reflect the technical standards of the period. The print is marked with the number 16, suggesting it was part of a larger series or album documenting Roman sites. The inscription P.L. Delineavit confirms the artist's role in both the drawing and the execution of the plate, offering a direct view of the site as it appeared in the late seventeenth century.