St. Peter's, dome and drum, interior section and elevation, and labeled details (recto); St. Peter's, moulding profiles, details (verso)

Art Historical Context

This architectural drawing by Etienne DuPérac captures the majestic dome and drum of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome with remarkable precision. Created in the early to mid-16th century, it presents an interior section and elevation on the recto, complete with labeled details that highlight the structure’s complex geometry. The verso features delicate moulding profiles, offering insight into the ornamental elements that would define one of the Renaissance’s most ambitious building projects. Executed in pen and brown ink with black chalk and incised lines, the sheet demonstrates the technical skill required for architectural studies of the period. Such drawings served both as working documents for builders and as records for posterity, preserving the evolving design of St. Peter’s during its lengthy construction. At roughly 30 by 44 centimeters, the work balances clarity with artistic refinement, allowing viewers to appreciate the engineering ingenuity behind the dome. Today housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this piece reminds us of the collaborative spirit that brought St. Peter’s to life. DuPérac’s careful annotations and measured lines continue to educate visitors about Renaissance architectural practices and the enduring beauty of one of the world’s most iconic sacred spaces.

About the Artist

Etienne DuPérac · 1535–1604

Comment on works: architect; painter