Gezicht op de kathedraal, het baptisterium en de toren van Pisa before 1886

This is an anonymous rendering of the cathedral, baptistery, and tower of Pisa. These monuments are icons of Western architecture and are loaded with significance. Though we don't know who created this image, the architectural rendering offers a glimpse into the visual culture and historical context in which it was produced. It emphasizes the grandeur and idealized vision of these structures. Consider the identity of the artist: Were they Italian? How might their nationality and cultural background shaped their interpretation? This rendering invites us to reflect on the relationship between power, identity, and representation in art. It prompts us to ask: Whose perspectives are privileged in the creation and dissemination of images, and how do these perspectives shape our understanding of history and culture? It captures not only the physical appearance of these architectural marvels but also the values and ideologies embedded within them.