Festival in Turin, October 1650 1650

Editor: We're looking at "Festival in Turin, October 1650," a print by G. Boetto. It's teeming with figures gathered in a plaza – must've been quite the shindig. It feels rather formal. What stands out to you the most? Curator: Formal indeed! Almost meticulously so. Look how the artist plays with perspective, leading our eye into the heart of Turin. And the calligraphy above the image adds such flair! One can almost smell the excitement in the air! Have you ever thought of architecture as a stage? Editor: I haven't, but I see what you mean – everything is so deliberately arranged, from the buildings to the crowd itself. Was this how the court advertised itself? Curator: Precisely! It's image-making on a grand scale. These kinds of prints circulated as souvenirs almost. And consider this: how easy was it to capture an event in those days? No cameras, darling! Just a talented artist like Boetto interpreting what must have been an opulent display. Think about how power wanted to be seen and then, of course, question whether it’s the whole picture? Editor: That's a great point; it makes me wonder about all the perspectives that are missing. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. The dance between what is seen, and what is unseen - that's where the true art often lies, wouldn't you agree?