Gezicht op de kerk Santo Spirito in Sassia te Rome Possibly 1750

Robert Sayer’s print captures the Santo Spirito in Sassia church and hospital in Rome. Created in the 18th century, this view offers us a glimpse into the era's perception of public institutions and urban life. Prints like this one circulated widely, informing perceptions and shaping opinions about different cultures. Think about the power of visual representation and how it can solidify or challenge our understanding of unfamiliar places. The figures populating the square add a human element to the architectural grandeur, inviting us to consider their place in this carefully designed urban landscape. How might their lives be intertwined with the church and hospital? Sayer's print encourages us to think about the intersections of religion, healthcare, and everyday life in 18th-century Rome. It serves as a reminder of the complex social fabric woven into the urban environment, where institutions and individuals coexist and shape each other's destinies.