Trappen naar Piazza del Campidoglio en de Santa Maria in Aracoeli te Rome 1729

Jacobus Baptist's print shows the stairs to Piazza del Campidoglio and the Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome. This detailed etching gives us a glimpse into the urban planning and social dynamics of Rome at the turn of the 18th century. Look at the figures populating the scene. The division of space and the architectural design, with its grand staircases, suggest a hierarchy inherent in the city's structure. The act of ascending those stairs, on foot or by carriage, becomes a performance of social status. Consider how the church and government buildings loom over the city, perhaps reflecting the influence of religious and political institutions on daily life. Baptist’s choice to depict this specific site raises questions about power, access, and the ways in which urban environments shape human interactions. This print isn’t just a depiction of architecture; it’s a narrative about who belongs, who governs, and how spaces dictate social roles.