Valletta 1665

Editor: Here we have Antonio Francesco Lucini's "Valletta," an engraving from 1665. I'm immediately struck by how meticulously the city is rendered; it almost feels like looking at a blueprint more than a portrait. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: It's crucial to consider the function of such cityscapes. "Valletta" isn’t simply a visual record, but a statement of power and control. Engravings like these circulated widely, shaping European perceptions of the city, particularly its fortifications. Editor: Power, in what way? Curator: Consider Valletta’s history. Built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, it represents a response to Ottoman expansion. The map highlights the city's military preparedness; every angle of the walls, every cannon position visible reinforces an image of impregnability. How might this image have influenced trade and migration to Valletta? Editor: So the map isn’t just showing what exists, but also performing a sort of propaganda? Curator: Precisely. Also consider Lucini’s intended audience. They would recognize symbolic visual cues connecting the city with power structures, designed to reinforce certain colonial perspectives. What symbols stand out to you? Editor: I see the coats of arms, angelic figures and compass at the upper corner...symbols of leadership and guidance perhaps? Curator: Yes! How do you think this image engages in the broader narratives of colonialism and religious conflict prevalent at the time? Editor: It sounds like this print offered both information and justification, a sort of 'manifest destiny' for its time. Looking at it now, it reminds us to consider the underlying message in everything we see. Curator: Exactly, the interplay of art, power, and representation in shaping our understanding of history remains crucial.