View of the Scala Reggia ordered by Alesandro VII (Vedute Della Scala Reggia ordinata da Alesandro VII) 1750 - 1813

Giovanni Ottaviani's print captures Bernini’s Scala Regia in the Vatican, circa 1735-1808, showcasing the architectural marvel commissioned by Alessandro VII. The stairway ascends, framed by classical columns, evoking a sense of grandeur and divine ascent. Consider the arch. Here, it signifies triumph and authority. Arches, as structural motifs, recur throughout history, from Roman triumphal arches celebrating military victories to the Renaissance arches, framing sacred spaces. These reoccurrences symbolize power, continuity, and the cyclical nature of history itself. The play of light and shadow within the Scala Regia is not accidental. Bernini masterfully manipulates light to guide the eye upward, creating a psychological effect that amplifies the emotional impact of the space. This ascent, both physical and spiritual, touches our collective memory, resonating with our deepest aspirations for transcendence. Symbols such as the arch reappear in different contexts. The evolution reflects a continuous human need to create spaces that inspire awe.