San Giovanni dei Fiorentini te Rome c. 1750 - 1799

Domenico Montaigù created this print of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini in Rome. Atop the church, we observe a cross, a symbol of Christianity, representing sacrifice, redemption, and faith. This motif is far from static; it's a chameleon, constantly adapting to its environment. From the early Christian catacombs, where it was a hidden symbol of faith, to its prominent display on churches like this, the cross carries the weight of shifting cultural and theological landscapes. The symbol has appeared throughout history, from the Roman standards to contemporary political symbols. It echoes through time, a potent reminder of shared human experiences and collective memory. The verticality of the cross evokes the eternal—an anchor of hope and the promise of divine connection, subconsciously touching upon our deepest existential inquiries.