Frontispiece: I Sette Pianeti c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Conte Carlo Lasinio’s “Frontispiece: I Sette Pianeti” rendered in sanguine. What strikes you first about its presentation? Editor: I'm drawn to the color; it feels like looking at a memory, something seen through rose-tinted glasses. How was this print created, and how does that inform its meaning? Curator: Lasinio was likely interested in reproducing Raphael’s frescos, democratizing access through printmaking. The earthbound instruments juxtapose the floating figures, a tension between earthly knowledge and divine inspiration. Editor: Exactly! I wonder about the socio-political context of replicating Raphael’s work. Who was this for? Was it meant to elevate or democratize art for specific social classes? Curator: The piece invites us to consider the relationship between art, power, and accessibility, asking who gets to define and control the artistic narrative. Editor: It is powerful to see how this piece allows us to consider these complex themes. Curator: Absolutely. This print, in its very making, engages with enduring questions about art’s role in culture and society.