Happy Birthday to Giovanni Paolo Pannini, born this day in 1691.

Pannini was one of the foremost painters in his time and made “Picture Gallery with Views of Modern Rome” as an extravagant souvenir for the Duc de Choiseul to commemorate his stay in Rome as the French ambassador to the Vatican. He depicted the duke seated in the center of a fantastic art gallery, surrounded by sculptures by Michelangelo and Bernini. Around him hang Pannini's meticulously detailed views of Roman monuments, including Saint Peter's Square, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Travel to the MFA to see this masterpiece yourself!