Hubert Robert (Paris 1733-1808)

When the present painting sold at Phillips in 1999, the catalogue included an opinion from Joseph Baillio, who suggested a date of 1770-1775 for the work. The composition and tone of the painting is typical of the sort of lively and romantic views of Rome that Robert created during this period. Here, in the background, the viewer will recognize the ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, one of the Roman Forum's most imposing structures, started by the Emperor Maxentius in A.D. 308 and completed by the Emperor Constantine the Great four years later after he defeated his predecessor at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.