Elevation of the Pantheon in Rome, reconstructed to its original form

About this artwork

This engraving presents the Pantheon in Rome reconstructed to its original ancient form, published by Antonio Lafreri in 1549. The print bears the Latin inscription "Pantheum Romanum nunc Mariae cognomento Rotundae notum ad antiquam suam effigiem et formam expressum" (The Roman Pantheon, now known as Mary of the Rotunda, expressed according to its ancient likeness and form), indicating the building's dual identity as both ancient temple and Christian church. The elevation drawing shows the Panth...

Art Historical Context

Step into the Renaissance fascination with ancient Rome through this precise 1549 engraving, published by Antonio Lafreri, which reconstructs the Pantheon in its original imperial form. Titled *Elevation of the Pantheon in Rome, reconstructed to its original form*, the print captures the iconic structure's grand portico with towering Corinthian columns and its revolutionary domed rotunda. A Latin inscription notes its dual life: once a temple to all gods ("Pantheon Romanum"), now the church of Santa Maria ad Martyres ("Mary of the Rotunda"). Built around 126 A.D. under Emperor Hadrian, the Pan...

About the Artist

Antonio Lafreri|Anonymous · 1507–1577

Antonio Lafreri, born Antoine du Pérac Lafréry around 1512 in Orgelet in the County of Burgundy (modern-day France), emerged as one of the most influential print publishers of the 16th century after settling in Rome around 1540. His early life and training remain sparsely documented, with no records of specific teachers or art schools; he arrived in the Eternal City as an engraver, producing works...