Virgin and Child with Saint Ciborius and Carlo Borromeo 1693 - 1695

Sir Nicolas Dorigny made this print of the Virgin and Child with Saint Ciborius and Carlo Borromeo. This work is an interesting example of the public role of art in 18th century Italy. Dorigny has deployed a set of visual codes and cultural references to create meaning for his viewers. We can see a blend of religious imagery with symbols of power and authority, as well as clear references to Rome and the Catholic Church. It’s likely that this work aimed to promote the Church’s values and reinforce its authority. Understanding this artwork fully involves delving into the social and institutional context in which it was created, drawing upon a range of historical resources to shed light on the cultural forces that shaped its production. Through this kind of research, we can interpret the meaning of art as something deeply contingent on its social and institutional context.