Festiviteiten op straat in Rome Possibly 1675 - 1717

Pieter Schenk created this print of street festivities in Rome sometime between 1660 and 1711. It captures a scene of public celebration, likely connected to a religious or state event. The image offers insight into the social and cultural life of Rome during that period. Here, visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations help to shape the meaning. The grandeur of the architecture and the elaborate costumes worn by the figures reflect the opulence of the Baroque era. Rome, as the seat of the Catholic Church, was a major center of artistic patronage and cultural production. The Church and the aristocracy would have been key players in shaping the social conditions of artistic production. An image such as this one helps reinforce the social norms of its time, displaying the power and wealth of the ruling elite. Understanding the artwork requires a deeper look into the social and institutional context in which it was created, through research into the history of Rome, the patronage system, and the role of public spectacles in shaping social identities. After all, art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.