Triumphal column with female figure of Fame holding a trumpet at the top, a temporary decoration for the entry of Pope Clement VIII in Bologna in 1598 1598

Guido Reni etched this triumphal column, crowned with the female figure of Fame, as a temporary decoration for Pope Clement VIII's arrival in Bologna in 1598. The trumpet, held aloft by Fame, is a potent symbol echoing through time, reminiscent of the Roman tuba, used to announce triumphs and military victories. This motif of the trumpet transcends its practical function, evolving into a symbol of proclamation. We see it reappear in Renaissance paintings, heralding divine announcements, and even in modern political cartoons, signifying important news. It carries a psychological weight, triggering primal responses—the sudden blare of the trumpet seizing our attention. The echoes of this symbol through centuries demonstrate the enduring power of images, evolving across time, and rooting in our collective consciousness.