Façade van Villa Medici te Rome after 1655

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the Villa Medici in Rome sometime in the late 17th century. Architectural prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating ideas about design and taste across Europe. The Villa Medici was more than just a building. It was a statement of power, reflecting the wealth and influence of the Medici family in Florence. This print flattens the Villa's façade, emphasizing its symmetry and classical features - elements that would have resonated with the artistic values of the time. Produced in Italy, this print reveals the power of patronage. The Medici family bankrolled artists and architects, shaping the cultural landscape of the Renaissance. The print itself is a kind of advertisement, showcasing the family's wealth and taste. To truly understand the print, we can look at the archives to uncover the stories of the people who lived and worked in buildings like this. We can also look to the history of art collecting, and the role of institutions like the French Academy, which was housed in the Villa Medici from 1803.