Gezicht op de Dom te Milaan c. 1759 - 1796

Louis-Joseph Mondhare created this print titled ‘Gezicht op de Dom te Milaan’ or ‘View of the Cathedral of Milan’. As we gaze upon this detailed rendering of Milan’s iconic cathedral, consider the narratives embedded within its stones. The Duomo, a symbol of religious power and civic pride, also tells a story of labor and identity. Who were the countless artisans, stonemasons, and laborers who dedicated their lives to its construction? How did their diverse backgrounds and beliefs shape this architectural marvel? Note the figures populating the foreground. How do their clothes and activities reflect social hierarchies and cultural norms of the time? The Duomo stands as a silent witness to centuries of change, a testament to human ambition, artistic expression, and the ever-evolving tapestry of society. What stories do you think the Duomo will tell in the centuries to come?