Illumination of the Holy Cross in St. Peter's, Francesco Piranesi, Louis Jean Desprez, 1768 - 1804

Illumination of the Holy Cross in St. Peter's, Francesco Piranesi, Louis Jean Desprez, 1768 - 1804

etching, h 676mm × w 468mm More details

Every year on Good Friday – two days before Easter – a Holy Cross illuminated by 628 candles was hung over the nave of St Peter’s Basilica. Desprez chose an unexpected viewpoint, with the monumental pillar in the foreground and a spectacular effect. He thus achieved this dream-like vision of the cross seemingly floating in the church’s cavernous space.

Download image

Make your own creations with this work
Make a print of your favourite detail
Download this work and make your own creation
Order a ready-made poster of this work