The view represents the Piazza del Popolo shortly after it was remodelled in the years 1811–1822 by the architect Giuseppe Valadier (1762–1839). It is taken from the south with the obelisk of Pharaoh Ramses II in the centre and the Porta del Popolo beyond. If the spectator turned their back on this prospect and walked into the city down the Corso – the traditional route taken by travellers entering from the north – in a few minutes they would be close to the Piazza di Spagna, the quarter where many micromosaic artists were based. The studio of Gioacchino Barberi (1783–1857) was at 99 Piazza di Spagna. He was a member of a prominent family of architects, painters and mosaicists, including the celebrated Cavaliere Michelangelo Barberi (1787–1867).
For a similarly conceived snuffbox by Magnin, the base chased with griffins and the lid set with a miniature of Ferdinando I, King of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, see inventory number 1831PC334/ДПИ.

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