Two Carabinieri Outside Santa Maria Maggiore

This painting by Peter Hansen depicts a tranquil and picturesque scene outside the Santa Maria Maggiore cathedral in Rome. The artwork is executed in watercolor, which gives it a light and airy feel, enhancing the soft hues and subtle details. The focal point of the painting features two carabinieri (Italian police officers) standing in the foreground. They are dressed in traditional carabinieri uniforms with distinctively styled hats and dark capes.The background of the painting is dominated by the majestic facade of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the major churches in Rome. The building is beautifully rendered with great architectural detail, showing its classical columns, statues, and large domed structures. The warm tones of the church contrast with the cooler shades used for the sky and the foreground, creating a balanced composition.In addition to the figures of the carabinieri, there is a glimpse of daily life from the era the painting represents. You can see a horse-drawn carriage moving along the plaza and a few pedestrians, which adds a dynamic element to the otherwise serene setting. The presence of these figures suggests the everyday hustle and bustle outside this historic cathedral, providing a snapshot of life in early 20th-century Rome.All these elements—the detailed depiction of the architecture, the contemplative stance of the carabinieri, and the inclusion of everyday life—combine to give this painting a reverent yet approachable atmosphere, capturing a moment in time outside one of Italy’s most venerable religious sites.