Church of the Gesù. 1. Casa Profesa. 2. Palazzo Altieri. 3. Palazzo Petroni 1741 - 1748

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print of the Church of the Gesù in Rome sometime in the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, and the way institutions shaped the production and reception of art. The image is more than just a depiction of architecture. It’s a social document reflecting the relationship between religious institutions, the aristocracy, and the public sphere in 18th century Rome. The prominent placement of the church, flanked by the Casa Profesa, Palazzo Altieri and Palazzo Petroni, speaks to the power and influence of these institutions. Piranesi's Rome was a city of spectacle, where the Church and the aristocracy asserted their dominance through grand architectural projects. This print invites us to consider the public role of art and the politics of imagery. By studying historical sources, architectural plans, and social documents, we can better understand the complex interplay of power, patronage, and artistic expression in Piranesi's Rome.