Today, Thorald Læssøe is one of the more neglected painters of the Golden Age, despite his evident merits. These are clearly seen in his magnificent View Towards the Forum Romanum, painted during a thirteen-year stay in Italy. This large painting, originally belonging to Christian VIII, is based on sketches Læssøe did on the spot. It incorporates many detailed scenes, including an open-air mass at the ruins of the ancient Meta Sudans fountain.