Plate 7: a battle taking place between men in boats 1655 - 1665

Pietro Santi Bartoli created this engraving, “Plate 7: a battle taking place between men in boats”, at an unknown date. The image presents a naval conflict, rendered in meticulous detail. Bartoli was an Italian engraver and antiquarian, whose career was shaped by the patronage system of 17th-century Rome. His prints documented ancient Roman artifacts. The image presents a dynamic clash between Roman ships, filled with armed soldiers. The ships themselves are adorned with classical motifs, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with ancient Rome, which was especially promoted through the Vatican collections. This print isn't just a record of objects; it's an interpretation. Bartoli’s work was influenced by the taste and expectations of his patrons, who had strong interests in the classical world. Art historians can use such works as this to reveal how artistic expression is rooted in the social and institutional contexts of its time. Ultimately, the meaning of art is contingent on those contexts.