Haven van Civitavecchia 1665 - 1667

This etching, "Haven van Civitavecchia," was created by Giovanni Battista Falda in the 17th century, capturing the essence of a bustling port. Notice how Falda portrays divine light bathing the scene. Sunlight cascades from the heavens, a motif deeply rooted in religious art symbolizing divine favor and enlightenment. This motif has reappeared throughout history. Think of the Renaissance paintings where rays of light spotlight biblical scenes. Light, in its various forms, engages us on a subconscious level, triggering feelings of awe, hope, and spiritual connection. But in this image, the light may have been a symbol of the Pope’s beneficence, which served to enhance the legitimacy of his rule. The cyclical journey of symbols such as light demonstrates that it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.