Wapenschild van kardinaal Giambattista Spada 17th century

This crest of Cardinal Giambattista Spada, was engraved by Giovanni Georgi. Its production involved a range of processes from design to execution. The image is a print, most likely an etching or engraving. The sharp lines and fine details, are achieved through the careful removal of material from a metal plate. This is a labour intensive process, demanding a high degree of skill and precision, akin to that of a trained metalworker. This craftsmanship is particularly evident in the intricate rendering of the tassels and the heraldic elements of the shield. The print serves to communicate power and status, transforming the Cardinal's identity into a reproducible image, indicative of emerging consumer culture. The material and production of the artwork therefore speaks volumes about the status and influence of its subject. The crest also makes a statement about the values of the time. Its mode of production underscores the intersection of craft, design, and social hierarchy in shaping cultural identity.