# Architectural Capriccio [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [PANNINI, Giovanni Paolo]() - Date: 1701-1750 - Technique: Oil on canvas, 99 x 135 cm ## Commentary This architectural capriccio depicts Roman ruins and the statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback with a soldier returning, other soldiers and figures nearby. An array of ruins from the Roman Forum \(including the Temple of Minerva Medica in the left background\) are superimposed with other identifiable structures, such as Trajan's column and an Egyptian obelisk, and certain elements, such as the marble relief lower left and the statues of Marcus Aurelius and the Farnese Hercules, reappear in numerous compositions by the artist. Pannini specialised in painting vedute, many of which were imaginary \(capricci\), and he differed from contemporary painters such as Bellotto and Vanvitelli, whose accurately described views contrast with his picturesque approach to topography. This extraordinary view is a fine and characteristic example of the type of picture for which Pannini became famous. The painting is signed and dated lower centre. ## Related artworks - [Alexander the Great at the Tomb of Achilles]() - [Alexander the Great Cutting the Gordian Knot]() - [Apostle Paul Preaching on the Ruins]() - [Architectural Capriccio]() - [Belisarius at the Gate of Constantinople]() - [Capriccio of Classical Ruins]() - [Capriccio of Classical Ruins]() - [Charles III at St Peter's]() - [Classical Ruins with Figures]() - [Departure of the Duc de Choiseul from the Piazza di San Pietro]() - [Expulsion of the Moneychangers from the Temple]() - [Gallery of Views of Ancient Rome]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()