Giovanni Grosso standing on the Quirinal Hill in Rome, with his right arm outstretched and a snake coiled around his foot and sword 1613

Francesco Villamena created this engraving of Giovanni Grosso in Rome, sometime around 1600. It depicts a soldier standing above the city with its ancient monuments. This image speaks to the cultural climate of the time. Rome, with its layers of history, was both a source of pride and a stage for contemporary life. The artist draws on the city’s rich cultural heritage, referencing its architectural landmarks. The snake could represent the power of Rome and the Catholic Church to overcome all adversaries and, it is important to remember that the papacy was a major political force in Italy. To understand this image better, one might research the Counter-Reformation in Rome, which was a complex period that involved not just the papacy, but also the daily lives of its citizens. By delving into this history, we can better appreciate the image’s commentary on the social structures of its time. It also allows us to consider how art actively engages with and reflects these structures.