Palazzo Corsini te Rome c. 1750 - 1799

This engraving of the Palazzo Corsini in Rome was made by Domenico Montaigù, but we don't know when. It represents the Palazzo Corsini, an imposing baroque structure that dominates its surroundings, a representation of power, wealth, and the hierarchical social structures of 18th-century Rome. The image conveys meaning through several visual and cultural codes. The sheer scale and detailed architectural rendering emphasize the Palazzo's grandeur, reflecting the Corsini family's prominence. The inclusion of human figures in the foreground gives scale but also highlights the separation between the aristocratic inhabitants and the common people. The building itself signifies not just wealth but also the institutional power of the family and the Church, with papal connections. The study of such images, alongside archival documents like family records, building contracts, and social commentaries, allow us to explore the complex interplay between art, power, and society. It is through this kind of research that we understand the role art plays in mirroring and shaping social norms.