Palazzo Spinola 1622

Nicolaes Ryckmans made this print of the Palazzo Spinola, sometime in the 17th century. We can see the emphasis on symmetry and order that characterized much European architecture at the time. But what can we learn by looking at the image as more than just a picture of a building? Consider that the Spinola family was among the most powerful in Genoa, Italy, from the 13th century onward. By the 17th century, wealthy families were eager to display their status and importance through their patronage of the arts and architecture. In the context of competitive city-states, buildings such as this one played an important role in defining the social and political landscape. To better understand this image and its place in the history of Genoa, we might consult city records, family genealogies, and architectural plans. Only through considering social and institutional contexts can we truly understand the importance of works of art.