Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae 1535 - 1585

This print, by Antonio Lafreri, shows the erection of an obelisk in Rome. The printmaking process itself is vital here, as it allows the dissemination of knowledge about grand architectural projects. Look closely, and you'll see how the print depicts the enormous timber frameworks used to lift the obelisk. The sheer scale is emphasized by the swarms of workers and teams of animals, all dwarfed by the task at hand. The print not only showcases the ingenuity of Renaissance engineering, but also the immense labor required. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about power. The obelisk, once a symbol of ancient Egypt, was re-purposed by the Catholic Church as a statement of dominance. The print, then, becomes a document of ambition, capturing the intricate dance between human effort, material resources, and the projection of authority. It reminds us that even the most refined artistic achievements often rest on a foundation of sheer, often unseen, labor.