Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Sculpture of a faun standing in a niche after a statue in Scipione Borghese's villa 1530 - 1580

This print of a sculpture of a faun standing in a niche was made by an anonymous artist, part of the *Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae*. Prints like this one, part of a set of Roman antiquities, were crucial for disseminating classical ideals across Europe. This particular print showcases a sculpture housed in the villa of Scipione Borghese, a cardinal whose collection played a key role in shaping artistic taste. The faun, a symbol of untamed nature and sensual freedom, contrasts with the rigid architectural setting. What does it mean when we confine the natural world within rigid structures? For the early modern art world, Rome was the ultimate destination for artists, a place to study antique forms and learn the secrets of artistic mastery. Prints like this helped bring the artistic treasures of Rome to a wider public. To truly understand this print, consider the social life of the villa, the politics of papal patronage, and the commerce in antiquities. Only then can we grasp its significance.