View of the Apse and Cupola of St. Peter’s

The style, technique, and format of this drawing resemble other early topographic depictions by Claude. It features the central dome and apse of Saint Peter’s Basilica rising above the wall of the Vatican; the repoussoir in the right foreground is probably a hay stack. In 1637 the simple wood bell tower with nearly flat roof was replaced by a stone version based on a design by Gianlorenzo Bernini, which means this drawing was done prior to that date.