Gezicht op de binnenkant van de Dom van Milaan 1728

This print by Caietanus le Poer depicts the interior of the Duomo in Milan. Its architectural precision gives a sense of the Duomo as a physical structure, while its sheer scale suggests the Church’s symbolic power in the 18th century. Made in Italy, this image must be understood in relation to the local religious, political, and artistic landscape. The Duomo itself stood as a testament to Milan's wealth and piety. Le Poer's print captures not just the building's physical space, but also its role in shaping religious and civic identity. The orderly lines and symmetry perhaps reflect the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. But one could argue that they also reinforce the Church's authority by presenting it as a bastion of order. Understanding this print requires considering the history of the Duomo, the biography of Le Poer, and the social function of religious imagery in 18th-century Milan. Such information is available through primary documents like Church records, architectural plans, and collections of prints.