This is the building in which one of the most secretive elections takes place, the election of a new Pope. A record number of 133 cardinals voted in secret in 2025, secluded from the outside world. A two-thirds majority being required to elect the new Pope. The only evidence of progress being the colour of smoke emitted from Sistine Chapel chimney, black smoke recording an unsuccessful vote and white a new Pope duly elected. The first conclave held here was in 1492, and since 1878 it has been the permanent location for conclaves. This engraving evokes an interior which is truly magical to behold in person. It is adorned by the work of many of the great renaissance artists including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and of course Michelangelo’s ceiling and ‘Last Judgement’.

The artist was Francesco Panini (1745–1812) who specialised in painting interiors and landscapes. He was a son of the noted artist and architect Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765). Another son called Giuseppe Panini (1720-1812) who constructed the Trevi Fountain in 1762. In this work he collaborated with the engraver Francesco Barbazza (fl. 1771–89). It was published by the Calcografia Camerale which was a publisher set up by Pope Benedict XIV in 1738. Benezit (1911-19).