Le Fontane ne' Palazzi e ne' Giardini di Roma con li Loro Prospetti et Ornamenti 1691

Giovanni Battista Falda created this engraving of a fountain in Rome in the late 17th century. It is one of a series depicting the fountains, palaces, and gardens of Rome, and reflects the cultural values of the time. The image creates meaning through its visual codes and cultural references. The fountain is adorned with classical statues, reflecting the Renaissance revival of classical art and learning. The architecture of the palace is also classical in style, with columns and arches. The print suggests the importance of aristocratic patronage during this period in Italy. Aristocrats used art to display their wealth, power and refinement, and to assert their position in society. Falda’s prints were commissioned by these wealthy patrons and served to further enhance their status. To better understand prints like these, we need to study the socio-political context in which they were made and the institutional networks through which artists, patrons and audiences interacted.