Fonteinen op Piazza Farnese te Rome 1653 - 1691

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the fountains in Piazza Farnese in Rome using etching. The composition is structured around the imposing fountains, which dominate the foreground and central space. Their elaborate tiered structure leads our eye upwards, contrasting with the rigid architectural backdrop of the surrounding buildings. The use of line is meticulous, defining the textures of stone and the movement of water. Notice how the linear precision captures the details of the piazza, balancing naturalistic elements with formal, geometric shapes. The light and shadow play across the surfaces, creating a sense of depth and volume. Falda seems interested in how urban spaces are constructed and experienced, and how the city is structured by power relations and social activities. The piazza is not just a physical location; it’s a semiotic space, filled with encoded meanings about social order and aesthetic values. These fountains, therefore, represent a calculated intersection of art, power, and public space, reflecting the cultural codes of baroque Rome.