Giovanni Paolo Panini, the decorator of Palaces

In partnership with

Giovanni Paolo Panini was a painter and architect whose works captured the grandeur of Rome. Born in 1691 in Piacenza, Italy, Panini became one of the most celebrated artists of the 18th century. He is best known for his remarkable ability to blend architecture, landscape, and historical scenes into captivating compositions. His works made the viewer feel as if they were part of the story.

German soldiers in 1944 posing with a Pannini picture – Carlo III di Borbone che visita il papa Benedetto XIV nella coffee-house del Quirinale a Roma – at the time looted from the Naples Museum. Photo by Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-729-0001-23 / Meister / CC-BY-SA 3.0.

From an early age, Panini was drawn to art. He studied under the guidance of some local artists before moving to Rome in the early 1700s. There, he was influenced by the Baroque style, which was dominating the art world at the time. However, Panini soon began developing his own distinctive approach. His work bridged the gap between Baroque and the emerging Neoclassical style, which would later come to define much of European art.

Capriccio of Classical Ruins (c. 1725-30), oil on canvas, private collection

One of Panini's specialties was painting views of Rome's iconic ruins and ancient monuments. As Rome was a hub for artists from all over Europe, there was a growing demand for paintings that depicted the city's impressive architecture and landmarks. Panini seized this opportunity, creating works that not only captured the city's iconic ruins but also infused them with a sense of life and dynamism. His paintings of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and St. Peter's Basilica are celebrated for their meticulous detail.

Interior of the San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome (no date), oil on canvas, Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Panini's works were more than just pretty pictures of ruins—they were also a way to tell stories. He often included figures in his paintings, whether they were tourists, scholars, or local Romans, engaging in activities around the monuments. These characters helped to ground the otherwise grand and monumental scenes in human scale, making the viewer feel more connected to the past. In this way, Panini's works were both historical and timeless, blending the present and past.

A Capriccio of Roman Ruins (1737), oil on canvas, Fitzwilliam Museum

One of his most famous works is The Ancient Roman Ruins, which features the remnants of the Roman Empire against a bustling city backdrop. In this painting, the ancient past and the vibrant present coexist, providing a unique commentary on the passage of time. Panini’s use of light and shadow in his architectural paintings was revolutionary, giving a new sense of dimension and depth that had previously been hard to achieve in works of that scale.

View of Rome from Mt. Mario, in the Southeast (1749), oil on canvas, Gemäldegalerie, Berlin.

Despite his fame for architectural landscapes, Panini was also a skilled interior decorator and portrait painter. He worked in various palaces and churches, decorating walls with scenes that showcased both his artistic range and his skill in architecture. His work in these spaces was highly valued, and he was often called upon to design the interiors of grand residences for wealthy patrons.

The Nave of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (1735)

Panini's reputation spread beyond Rome. He was appointed to the prestigious role of court painter to the Pope, and his works found homes in collections all over Europe. In his later years, Panini’s style became more refined, and he experimented with new techniques. He adapted to the changing tastes of his time but never lost the passion for architectural grandeur that had defined his early career.

Piazza Navona in Rome (1729), oil on canvas, Louvre.

Booksi is an innovative travel company that specializes in providing affordable, curated vacation packages, making dream destinations accessible with a seamless booking experience and personalized customer service. With vacation season coming up, check out their affordable deals.

5-Star Grand Cancun All Inclusive Resort For Only $99

Stay 4 nights in 5-star luxury Grand Cancun beachfront accommodations for only $99. Enjoy unlimited meals, drinks & alcohol with 9 gourmet restaurants and 5 bars. Includes $100 Airfare credit. Buy now and travel anytime in the next 18 months.

Roman Capriccio: The Colosseum and Other Monuments (1735), oil on canvas, Indianapolis Museum of Art

Expulsion of the Moneychangers from the Temple (1724), oil on canvas, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

The Wedding at Cana (1725), oil on canvas, Speed Art Museum

Marcus Curtius Leaping into the Gulf (no date), oil on canvas, Fitzwilliam Museum

Apollo and Mars (no date), oil on canvas, Diocesan Museum of Milan

Landscape with the Arch of Titus (1725-50), oil on canvas, National Museum, Warsaw

The delivery of the Order of the Holy Spirit to Prince Vaini by the Duke of Saint-Aignan in the Saint-Louis-des-Français church, September 15, 1737 (1745), oil on canvas, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen.

Giovanni Paolo Panini died in 1765, leaving behind a legacy that would influence generations of artists. His works remain a testament to his mastery of both architecture and painting. Today, visitors to Rome and art galleries around the world can still marvel at his detailed depictions of the Eternal City. Through Panini’s eyes, we are reminded of the ever-present link between past and present, and the timeless beauty of a city that continues to inspire.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

Edgar Degas

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.

Become a paying subscriber of Premium to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

A subscription gets you:

  • • Support high-quality content and independent writing.
  • • Help to keep this free for all readers.
  • • Connect with us directly.
  • • Our sincere gratitude.

Reply

or to participate.