Ingangspoort van het Arcispedale di San Spirito in Saxia te Rome 1665

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the entrance to the Arcispedale di San Spirito in Saxia in Rome sometime between 1643 and 1678. The hospital itself was a place of immense social intersection. Founded in the 12th century, it served as a sanctuary for the sick, the poor, and abandoned children, a reflection of the city's complex social hierarchy. Falda's print not only captures the architecture but also hints at the hospital's role within Rome’s landscape. Note how the building's imposing façade and the Pope's inscription command a sense of authority, almost overshadowing the vulnerable individuals seeking refuge inside. Consider the experiences of women in this space: as patients, caregivers, or even abandoned infants. The hospital was often a place of last resort. Falda’s work opens a window into the stories of those on the margins, inviting us to reflect on the intersections of power, gender, and social welfare that shaped their lives.