Album met etsen in aquatint naar architectuurtekeningen van Mauro Tesi uit verschillende Italiaanse collecties 1787

Cesare Massimiliano Gini created this album of etchings in aquatint after architectural drawings by Mauro Tesi in Italy around the late 18th to early 19th century. Consider the role of academies and institutions in shaping artistic taste during this era, particularly concerning architectural design. Gini's etchings reflect the era's fascination with classical forms and the picturesque, which were often promoted by academies as models of good taste. The reproduction of Tesi’s drawings via etching also speaks to the growing interest in disseminating architectural ideas more broadly. It reflects a desire to standardize design principles and cultivate a public appreciation for refined aesthetics. By studying archival materials, such as academy records, architectural treatises, and period publications, one can gain insights into the social and institutional contexts in which Gini's album was created. Understanding these elements helps reveal the complex interplay between artistic production, institutional power, and the cultivation of cultural values.