Ben-Hur Vista of Rome
Vista of Rome is a fifty-foot-wide backdrop painted for Ben-Hur (1959). Painted with a blue sky, the backdrop transforms to dusk when front lighting is reduced and the painting is illuminated from behind. Its cut-out windows are backed with China silk toned by a subtle painted wash. The backdrop was later reused for Hail, Caesar! (2016).
Director
William Wyler
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Designer
Vittorio Valentini
Art Direction
William A. Horning, Edward Carfagno
Scenic Art Supervisor
Scenic Artist
Description
The Vista of Rome backdrop was created for Ben-Hur (1959) and depicts an expansive view of ancient Rome. Measuring approximately 48 feet 10 inches by 18 feet, it is one of many large-scale scenic paintings produced for the film. Designed as a day/night backdrop, window openings were cut into the painted surface and backed with China silk, allowing the scene to transform when illuminated from behind. Painted in dry color and gelatin binder on cotton muslin, the backdrop demonstrates the technical innovation and craftsmanship of Hollywood scenic artists. Its later reuse in Hail, Caesar! (2016) illustrates the long working life of studio scenic artwork and the practice of adapting existing backdrops for new productions.
Place
Jerusalem
Date
1959
Dimensions
48’-10” x 18’-0”
Medium
Dry color and gelatin binder on cotton muslin
Style
Exterior Architecture
Credit
Gift of J.C. Backings Corporation
Photo Credit
Texas Performing Arts, Sandy Carson
Ben-Hur (1959) is an American epic historical drama directed by William Wyler and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film stars Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur and was adapted from Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.
