Gezicht op Castel Nuovo 1648

Israel Silvestre created this print, "Gezicht op Castel Nuovo," using etching techniques. Silvestre, a draughtsman, printmaker, and publisher, was a member of the French aristocracy, appointed drawing master to the Dauphin, the eldest son of Louis XIV and heir apparent to the French throne. During this period, the grand tour was fashionable, especially for young men of means, and the cities of Italy were a popular destination. This print, therefore, speaks to 17th-century European identity, one defined by class and wealth, enabling travel and leisure. Consider, too, the figures in the foreground. We are invited, by Silvestre, to look at them looking at the city. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of foreign lands. Rather than a snapshot, this view is carefully composed, picturesque. The artist has framed the image with foliage in the foreground, creating a sense of depth and inviting the viewer to imagine themselves within the scene. In this way, Silvestre's etching not only documents a place, but also shapes the viewer’s experience and understanding of it.