Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Front of a Building seen sideways through an arcade of four arches on its left front. 1530 - 1580

This print, titled *Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Front of a Building seen sideways through an arcade of four arches on its left front.*, was created by an anonymous artist. Prints like this one, part of a larger project, offered viewers a tangible connection to the grandeur of Rome. In a time long before photography, these meticulously detailed images served as vital visual records. The creation and dissemination of these prints involved a network of artists, printers, and patrons, reflecting the complex social and economic structures of the time. This particular print captures a building viewed through a series of arches. What I find remarkable is how the anonymous artist plays with perspective, inviting us to consider the relationships between space and power. The building, rendered with such precision, evokes a sense of permanence and authority, while the arches create a frame, shaping how we perceive the urban environment.