Loggias of Raphael in the Vatican Pl.06
1772-1777
Giovanni Ottaviani's vibrant 18th-century print captures the breathtaking ceiling of Raphael's Loggias in the Vatican, specifically focusing on the biblical scene of Jacob's Ladder. In the upper panel, Jacob sleeps peacefully while angels ascend and descend a golden staircase into the clouds, surrounded by elaborate, colorful grotesque patterns that look like a visual feast of vines and mythical creatures. Below, a magnificent archway bursts with hanging garlands of fruit and flowers against a deep blue sky, showcasing the intricate stucco work that makes these corridors famous. Created between 1772 and 1777, this illustration served as a way to preserve and share the glory of Raphael's Renaissance masterpieces with the world before photography existed.
- Technique
- Engraving
- Material
- Paper