Engelenburcht 1720 - 1772

This print of the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome was made by an anonymous Dutch artist. It shows the imposing fortress, once a papal residence and prison, and the bridge leading to it, adorned with sculptures of saints and angels. The image speaks volumes about the intertwined nature of religious and political power in the 17th century. Rome, as the seat of the papacy, exerted considerable influence over Europe. Depicting the Castel Sant'Angelo, with its clear military function, highlights the earthly power wielded by the church, an institution that also claimed spiritual authority. The inclusion of sculptures of the Apostles Peter and Paul makes the statement all the more clear. To truly understand this print, we'd need to delve into the history of the Castel Sant’Angelo itself, as well as the social and political context of Rome and the Netherlands at this time. Scholarly research into prints and their circulation, as well as investigation into the historical relationship between the papacy and the Dutch Republic, would further enrich our understanding.