\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 This picture was painted by Pannini for Cardinal Melchior de Polignac, the French ambassador in Rome. In fact the painting represents
the ambassadorÆs visit to St. PeterÆs. The topographic precision with which the location is depicted is associated in this work with PanniniÆs great ability to create spectacular scenic effects.