Festiviteiten op Piazza Santa Croce voor de kerk de Santa Croce in Florence 1616 - 1656

This print, "Festiviteiten op Piazza Santa Croce voor de kerk de Santa Croce in Florence", was made in the mid-17th century by Alfonso Parigi, using etching techniques. The density of lines and the fineness of detail suggest Parigi was highly skilled in controlling the acid's bite on the metal plate. Prints like this one served as visual records and social documents. The material qualities of the print—its reproducibility and portability—allowed for the widespread dissemination of images, shaping perceptions of events and places. We see the Santa Croce depicted as a site of spectacle, but also, implicitly, the power structures of Florentine society. Consider the labor involved, not just Parigi's skill, but also the workforce needed to produce paper, ink, and printing presses. This print participates in a network of artisanal production and consumption, reflecting the era's complex interplay between art, craft, and commerce. Thinking about it this way reveals its significance, as more than just a picture.