Gezicht in het koor van de Sint-Pietersbasiliek te Vaticaanstad 1691

Giovanni Battista Falda etched this scene of the choir of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City during the 17th century. At the forefront, the grand canopy, draped with heavy fabric and adorned with cherubic figures, speaks to a theatricality inherent in displays of power. Notice the eagle perched atop. This is no mere decoration; the eagle has long symbolized imperial authority, tracing back to Roman times and even earlier. Its presence here, in the heart of the Catholic Church, is a potent reminder of the intertwining of spiritual and earthly dominion. This symbol, once representing the might of emperors, is here co-opted to elevate the Church's stature, subtly conveying a message of divine mandate and enduring power. The eagle resurfaces through the ages, from the standards of ancient legions to the heraldry of modern nations. Its constant evolution and re-emergence are a testament to the enduring human fascination with power, authority, and the symbols we create to embody them.