Plate 1: trophies of Roman arms from decorations above the windows on the second floor of the Palazzo Milesi in Rome 1656 - 1658

Giovanni Battista Galestruzzi created this print called "Plate 1: trophies of Roman arms from decorations above the windows on the second floor of the Palazzo Milesi in Rome." In the 17th century, Rome was a city steeped in the visual language of power, and Galestruzzi's print offers us a glimpse into this world. The trophies depicted here aren't just decorations; they're potent symbols of Roman military strength and imperial authority. Notice the array of weapons and armor, meticulously rendered to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for Rome's martial past. But let's also consider the context in which these images were created. Galestruzzi, like many artists of his time, was working within a patronage system that often served the interests of wealthy elites and the Church. How might these power dynamics have influenced the way he depicted Roman power? And what does it mean to reproduce these images of dominance in print, making them accessible to a wider audience? The artist presents not only the symbols of power, but also hints at the narratives that sustain it. This work creates a space for contemplation on our contemporary relationship with power.