Collegio de Propaganda Fide 1665

This print of the Collegio de Propaganda Fide was made by Giovanni Battista Falda in the late 17th century. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the fine network of lines that describe the architecture, the bustling piazza, and even the sky. The etching process allowed Falda to create a very detailed and precise depiction of the building, emphasizing its grand scale and classical design. But there's more to this print than just architectural documentation. Consider the social context. The Collegio de Propaganda Fide was a center for missionary work, and this print would have been a form of promotion, a way to showcase the power and influence of the Catholic Church. Falda's skill as an etcher, a craftsperson, was thus put in the service of a larger ideological project. This print reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are shaped by the materials, techniques, and social forces that bring them into being.