Gezicht op de Dom te Milaan c. 1759 - 1796

Louis-Joseph Mondhare made this print of the Milan Cathedral using etching and possibly other techniques. This image presents a view of the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo as a stage for social life. While the Milanese citizens go about their business in the foreground, the Cathedral looms large, underlining the importance of the Catholic Church in the city’s social and political life. This image can be seen as a piece of propaganda, reinforcing the power of the church. Mondhare probably made the print for commercial distribution in France, where it would appeal to those interested in fashionable Italian destinations. To understand the image more fully, art historians can consult primary sources such as tourist guides of the period, architectural plans of the Cathedral, and business records relating to the print trade. This helps us understand the social context in which the image was made and consumed.