Piazza della Rotonda en het Pantheon te Rome 1665 - 1667

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon in Rome in the 17th century, a period marked by significant urban development driven by the papacy. The print offers a glimpse into the spatial politics of Baroque Rome. Falda meticulously details not just the ancient Pantheon but also the surrounding piazza, illustrating how urban spaces were being reshaped to reflect papal power and influence. The inclusion of Pope Alexander VII's additions highlights the church's efforts to modernize Rome while asserting its authority through architectural grandeur. Consider how Falda's detailed rendering invites viewers to imagine themselves within this transformed urban landscape, engaging with the social and political dynamics of the city. The print serves as both a historical document and a testament to the ongoing negotiation between tradition and transformation in Rome.