![Andre Giroux - Santa Trinità dei Monti in the Snow [1825-30]](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/15404761848_dbb9bfccc3_o.jpg)
This was most likely painted from a window, rather than strictly in the open air: after all, such weather was hardly conducive for working outdoors. The view is taken from the north side of the Villa Medici, the seat of the Académie de France on the Pincian Hill in Rome, looking toward the famous church and convent of the title; the convent's snow-covered kitchen garden is in the foreground. We can speculate that the view was made from the artist's own window while he was a student at the Villa Medici. The date of 1827-1828, suggested by an old pencil inscription on the stretcher of the canvas, is consistent with Giroux's residence there. Beyond the church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti, the Palazzo Quirinale blocks the horizon; the obelisk to the right in front of the church marks the top of the Spanish Steps. Giroux has captured the steely gray light of a cold winter's day, and brilliantly combines a sharp sense of topographical accuracy with a lively, sketchy, painterly touch.
[National Gallery of Art, Washington - Oil on paper on canvas, 22 x 30 cm]