Francesco I d'Este Protects the Piazza di Nonantola Against the Marchesa Mattei with a Small Number of People and a Great Loss of Ecclesiastics, from L'Idea di un Principe ed Eroe Cristiano in Francesco I d'Este, di Modena e Reggio Duca VIII [...] 1659

Bartolomeo Fenice created this print to be included in L'Idea di un Principe ed Eroe Cristiano in Francesco I d'Este. The scene depicts Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio, supposedly protecting the Piazza di Nonantola. It's interesting how this image works to shape the public's perception of Francesco as a Christian hero. The landscape setting with a tower suggests a specific location, but it also serves as a stage for the Duke's heroic actions. Made in Italy, this image reflects the social and political structures of its time. The Este family was a powerful noble family, and this print served as propaganda, reinforcing their authority and legitimacy. Note the careful construction of the image, with the Duke at the forefront, leading his troops against the Marchesa Mattei. To understand this print better, we can research the history of the Este family, their political alliances, and the conflicts of the time. By looking into these resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the image's meaning and significance.