Fontana dell'Acqua Felice te Rome 1653 - 1691

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the Fontana dell'Acqua Felice in Rome. It's a glimpse into the city's urban landscape, but also its social dynamics. Notice how the fountain isn't just a source of water, but a stage for social interactions. Peasants, dogs, and wanderers gather around the fountain, highlighting the intersections of class and the everyday life of the people. The inscription at the top commemorates Pope Sixtus V, reminding us of the power structures that shaped the city. Falda doesn't shy away from depicting the lives of ordinary Romans. This image captures a moment in time, a society in flux, and the ever-present tension between the powerful and the everyday. It invites us to reflect on our own place within the urban landscape.