Begrafenisstoet van paus Clemens IX 1650 - 1691

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print depicting the funeral procession of Pope Clemens IX. Notice the striking display of power and solemnity: mounted soldiers, cannons, and elaborate carriages escort the Pope toward St. Peter’s Basilica. Consider the cannon. Here, it symbolizes papal power and authority in a temporal sense, echoing ancient Roman displays of military might. Yet, if we trace the cannon's lineage back through history, we find it also assumes a spiritual dimension. Think of the destructive force in the hands of deities across cultures: Zeus’s thunderbolt, Thor’s hammer. The cannon, then, becomes a modern echo of primordial power. Such symbols resonate deeply within us, tapping into subconscious memories of dominance and force. This image captures both temporal power and the emotional weight of ancient archetypes, engaging viewers on a profound level. Power, destruction, hope... the cannon has appeared, disappeared, reappeared, and evolved throughout our history.