Basilica di Santa Maria-Maggiore

Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is one of the five great ancient basilicas of Rome. From a French series titled 'Rome dans Sa Grandeur', circa 1870. Benoist was one of France's most gifted topographical artists of the 19th century, he was both a master lithographer and painter. He began his career in Paris and by 1836 he was exhibiting his views at the Paris Salons and continued to do so until 1879. As an original lithographic artist, Philippe Benoist specialized in exterior and interior views of many famous European buildings. Some light soiling in margins.