Power, represented by a woman seated on clouds holding a crown and surrounded by putti 1725 - 1775

Editor: This is "Power, represented by a woman seated on clouds holding a crown and surrounded by putti," a drawing and engraving by Carlo Innocenzo Carloni, dating from somewhere between 1725 and 1775. It strikes me as very optimistic and celebratory. What's your read on it? Curator: Well, consider the period. This is Baroque. What does that word even mean? Think about absolute monarchy. Carloni is working in an environment where the Church, and powerful rulers are patrons of the arts. It’s interesting to see power personified as a woman, holding a crown aloft. The putti also add a sense of celestial legitimacy to that earthly power. Editor: So, it's a kind of visual propaganda? I mean, she's literally sitting on clouds, holding power for everyone to see. Curator: Propaganda can be a loaded word. This could also be seen as an aspiration. How do you think images of power like this functioned? Was it just for those already in charge or does it say more about a culture’s beliefs regarding authority? Editor: I guess I hadn’t considered that. It makes me wonder if common people at the time saw such art or if its main audience was other aristocrats. Curator: Exactly! Its intended location shapes everything, from style to subject matter. This artwork might have served a specific role in projecting or solidifying a patron’s standing. What do you think about this print? Editor: Seeing this piece and then placing it in its socio-political moment provides a valuable frame for understanding both Carloni’s piece, and how the visual arts work to create ideas about power. Thanks! Curator: You've touched on something really important. Context transforms our viewing experience.