Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: St. Peter's 1530 - 1580

Giovanni Ambrogio Brambilla created this engraving of St. Peter's Basilica as part of his "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae," a series documenting Rome's architectural marvels. Produced in the late 16th century, this print reflects the cultural and religious fervor of the Counter-Reformation, a period when the Catholic Church sought to reassert its authority through art and architecture. Brambilla’s work participates in the construction of Rome as a new center of power. St. Peter's itself was a symbol of this renewed power and authority. It was initially designed by Michelangelo, whose name is written on the print, as if to reinforce its importance. Brambilla takes on the role of an interpreter, who disseminates the vision to a broader audience. The engraving not only showcases the grandeur of the basilica, but also invites reflection on the relationship between religious institutions, artistic representation, and the communities that both shape and are shaped by such imposing structures. It connects the divine and the earthly.