The artifact is an engraving taken from one of the most influential and beautiful sources on the monuments and antiquities of ancient Rome, The Antiquae Urbis Splendor, (The Splendor of the Ancient City).

The book served as an important reference and source of inspiration for many writers and artists.

Giacomo Lauro, the engraver, was a Roman print maker who was active from 1583 to about 1650. The portrait is hand colored and an excellent impression of the Pope.

The engraving measures 32 X 23.2 cm.

Artifacts connected to Pope Urban VIII have become very desirable because he beautified Rome, was significant in the building of St. Peter’s Basilica and commissioned Bernini as the architect.