Monument voor kardinaal Francesco Barberini 1642

This is an engraving of a monument for Cardinal Francesco Barberini, made by an anonymous artist. The print offers us a glimpse into the power dynamics of the 17th century, when the Barberini family wielded considerable influence in the Catholic Church and in European politics. Nepotism was rife, and families like the Barberini used their position to amass wealth and power. This monument, with its cherubic figures and classical architectural setting, is not just a tribute to an individual, but a statement about the values of the era, and what was deemed important to commemorate. It is important to consider how our perceptions and values differ. What kind of monument would be erected today? And who would it honor? The choice to depict Barberini in such a grand and idealized manner raises questions about representation, power, and how society chooses to remember its leaders.