Vues de France et d'Italie (binder's title) 1635 - 1691

Israel Silvestre etched this print, "Vue de l'Eglise Saint Pierre de Rome," probably in the 1660s. As its title suggests, this print was part of a larger series depicting views of France and Italy. Silvestre, who worked for the French court, was one of many artists who were involved in shaping the cultural identity of France through visual imagery. By portraying important landmarks and monuments, artists like Silvestre contributed to a sense of national pride and cultural superiority. It's interesting to note the scaffolding on St. Peter's Basilica in this image. By drawing attention to the ongoing construction of St. Peter's, Silvestre emphasizes the temporal, human element involved in creating even the most sacred spaces. To truly understand this image, we would need to delve into the history of printmaking, explore the patronage networks that supported artists like Silvestre, and study the cultural exchange between France and Italy during this time. The meaning of art lies not just in the image itself, but in the web of social and institutional forces that shape its creation and reception.