Droom van Jakob 1675

Cesare Fantetti made this print, "Jacob's Dream," sometime between 1660 and 1675. It depicts the biblical story of Jacob, who dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. What can we say about the image's meaning as seen by its original audience? Well, consider that this print was made in Italy, at the height of the Baroque era, a period known for its dramatic and emotional religious art. Fantetti presents a vision of divine communication, a common theme in the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its spiritual authority. Look at how the ladder visually connects the earthly and divine realms. Now, think about the social role of art during this time. Prints like these were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious institutions and served as tools for religious instruction and moral persuasion. We can delve into period documents and the writings of religious scholars to learn more about the place of images in Baroque-era Italy. Fantetti's print is a window into a world where art played a central role in shaping belief and reinforcing social norms.