View of Saint Peter and the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican

Rossini, famous as a printmaker in the tradition of Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), is less well-known as a draughtsman (for some examples, see M.A. Fusco and N. Ossana Cavadini, Luigi Rossini, 1570-1857: Incisore: Il Viaggio secreto/ Engraver: The Secret Journey, exh. cat., Chiasso, Centro Culturale Chiasso m.a.x.museo, and Rome, Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica, 2014). As do his etched views, this drawing stands out for its topographical accuracy. It may have been intended as a model for a print, although no such print appears to be known.