Antique Engraving By Van Aelst: Capitolii Romani Vera Imago Ut Nunc Est

After the set : Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae" produced between 1554 and 1573 by Salamanca and Lafréry and representing the greatest monuments of Rome.
Second state after deletion of Van Aelst's address.
In this version the square appears as it will remain for about three hundred years. The three palaces are completed and the oval in the center of the square has been paved with a radiating pattern. This print was published by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi, a member of the family dominating print publishing in Rome in the 17th century. De Rossi apparently acquired the copper plate from Nicolas van Aelst and had parts of it re-engraved to update the scene, particularly adding the Palazzo Nuovo to the left and the cobblestone pattern on the floor.

1650

Fine proof , two usual folds, small hole at their junction, net margins on the side borders, small loss and old restoration on the left one.

Copper width: 530.00
Copper height: 365.00
Leaf width: 537.00
Leaf height: 377.00