Trap naar Piazza del Campidoglio te Rome Possibly 1691 - 1729

Alessandro Specchi created this print of the stairway to the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome during the late 17th to early 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the era's hierarchical social structure and the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church. The artwork portrays the grand staircase leading up to the Piazza, a design by Michelangelo, bustling with figures from various social strata. The presence of horse-drawn carriages suggests the wealth and privilege of the upper class, while the commoners on foot highlight the disparities in status. The Church, a central power in Rome at the time, is alluded to through the architecture and the implied presence of religious figures among the crowds. Specchi’s print serves as a narrative of Rome's complex identity. Consider how the sweeping view and minute details invite viewers to reflect on their own place within such a grand historical and social tableau. It compels us to reflect on both the achievements and the exclusions that have shaped our shared heritage.