Groep heiligen op wolken 1735 - 1800

Giovanni Cattini created this etching, “Group of Saints in the Clouds,” sometime in the 18th century. It depicts a cluster of haloed figures floating on voluminous clouds, their gazes and gestures directed upwards in apparent religious ecstasy. The image’s visual codes are rooted in the Catholic culture of 18th-century Italy. Consider the time in which it was made. Religious institutions, such as the church, were central to the artistic production of this era, shaping both the subject matter and style of artworks. The upward orientation of the figures and the presence of the cross invite the viewer to also look up. This speaks to the conservative nature of the image; it does not critique or challenge the institutions of art that are being depicted but rather reinforces them. The study of prints, like this one, often begins in the archives. Documents from churches, schools, and even state departments can tell us about the patrons, artists, and audiences who shaped the production and reception of these kinds of images.