Ragguaglio delle Nozze delle Maesta di Filippo Quinto e di Elisabetta Farnese...Solennemente celebrate in Parma l'Anno 1714 1717

Ulisse Guiseppe Gozzadini made this print in 1714 to commemorate a royal wedding in Parma. The artwork’s impact lies in the meticulous etching technique, built from carefully controlled lines of varying weight and density. The image depicts the Cathedral of Parma, its facade elaborately decorated for the occasion. Look closely, and you can see how the artist built up the image layer by layer. The lines create the illusion of depth and texture, turning a flat surface into a detailed representation of architectural grandeur. The hatching captures the play of light and shadow on the building's surface, emphasizing the ornamentation. Gozzadini’s skill as a printmaker gives us a glimpse into the cultural values of the time, where detailed engravings were highly valued. These prints were a way to disseminate images and information widely, offering access to events that many could not witness firsthand. Appreciating the printmaking process allows us to understand its social function, its role in circulating knowledge, and its unique form of visual communication.