Piazza del Quirinale te Rome Possibly 1675 - 1717

Pieter Schenk created this print of the Piazza del Quirinale in Rome around the turn of the 18th century. At the time, Rome was a popular destination for the Grand Tour, a traditional trip of Europe undertaken by upper-class European young men to deepen their knowledge and cultural understanding. Schenk's print captures the Piazza's vibrant atmosphere, filled with figures on horseback and lively gatherings. The Quirinale Palace looms in the background. Equestrian statues of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, stand in the foreground which adds a layer of classical grandeur to the scene. Prints like these served as souvenirs for travelers and played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of foreign lands. But who had access to these images and experiences? And whose stories were left untold in these depictions of European society? This print invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in travel and representation, and prompts us to reflect on the complexities of cultural exchange and the gaze.