Piazza della Bocca della Verità with the so-called Vesta Temple in Rome

Constantin Hansen set out to capture everything considered typical of Rome at the time: the ancient monuments, the picturesque medieval architecture and the carefree lifestyle of the Romans. The motif centres on the so-called Vesta Temple (actually devoted to Hercules Victor, Hercules the Winner). In the foreground are Roman men playing boccia, a popular pastime, while oxen rest by their carts. As a final flourish the painter included the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica even though it cannot be seen from the spot chosen. The painting was intended for Danish audiences that may have dreamed of visiting Italy, but would only very rarely go. Even though many details could be observed in real life, the painting primarily reflects idealised Nordic notions about Rome.