Sankt Peter in Rom, von der Villa Pamphili aus gesehen 7 - 1828

Friedrich Maximilian Hessemer made this graphite on paper drawing of St. Peter's in Rome from the Villa Pamphili, in 1828. The quality of line is key here; see how it varies in weight and intensity. Hessemer used a sharp point to capture the architectural details of St. Peter’s Basilica, while softer, more gestural strokes define the landscape. This subtle variation gives depth to the scene. Consider the social context. Hessemer, a German artist, was likely on the Grand Tour, a rite of passage for upper-class Europeans. Drawing was a fundamental skill, a way to document travels and study the great works of the past. Graphite, easily portable, was the perfect medium. It allowed artists to capture fleeting impressions, like this view, quickly and efficiently. In appreciating this drawing, we should look beyond the subject matter and consider the artist’s hand, the immediacy of the medium, and the cultural values that informed its creation.