Old St. Peter's, Rome (S. Petri templum, Romae) c. 16th century

Editor: This etching by Hendrick van Cleve III depicts Old St. Peter's in Rome. There's a bustling public scene in the foreground. What can you tell me about the significance of showing the church like this? Curator: Well, it's not just the church itself, is it? Van Cleve presents a vision of Rome and its civic life. This image speaks to the power of the church as a public institution, deeply embedded in daily Roman life. Editor: So, the artist isn't just showing us a building, but its social context? Curator: Precisely. The figures populating the square are crucial. Consider how the artist chooses to represent their activities. This emphasizes the church's role in the public sphere, doesn't it? Editor: It definitely highlights how integral the church was to everyday life. I hadn't considered that! Curator: Seeing the city as a whole helps us to interpret it from multiple perspectives.