Paris sat 

This print of 'Paris sat', was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, who died in 1778. The image depicts Paris, of Greek myth, seated and offering the golden apple. Piranesi worked in Rome, a city full of classical sculpture, in a time when the Grand Tour made the city a must-see destination. We can consider this print as a cultural artifact, reflecting the fascination with classical antiquity that was typical among wealthy Europeans at the time. The image connects to a culture of collecting, documenting and trading antiquities that was growing fast in Europe. It was also an institutionally driven phenomenon. The print bears a dedication to Pope Pius VI. Prints like this played a crucial role in circulating knowledge about classical art. It also made this kind of art accessible to wider audiences. Looking closely into the historical and social context of art like this, one can begin to grasp the complex ways in which cultural values, political power, and artistic production intersect.