Romeinse bouwwerken in opdracht van Alexander VII gebouwd 1663

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print, "Roman Buildings Built by Order of Alexander VII," sometime in the 17th century. Falda, an Italian engraver, dedicated his career to illustrating the architecture of Rome, mapping its urban development and papal ambitions. This print captures more than just stone and mortar; it embodies the cultural and political theater of Baroque Rome. Commissioned by Pope Alexander VII, these building projects were designed to visually assert the power and prestige of the Catholic Church, particularly after the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. The monumental scale of St. Peter's Square, depicted here, aimed to awe and inspire both pilgrims and citizens. Consider how architecture can be a tool for shaping collective identity, embedding ideologies into the very fabric of our environment. The emotional impact of these spaces extends beyond religious devotion, influencing social hierarchies and civic pride. Falda’s work reveals the intricate relationship between power, identity, and the built environment, leaving us to reflect on how our own spaces define us.