Gezicht op de Porto di Ripa Grande te Rome 1755 - 1779

This is “Gezicht op de Porto di Ripa Grande te Rome,” a print made by the Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie. Imagine 18th-century Rome. It was a city marked by stark social divisions, where the opulence of the Vatican existed alongside widespread poverty. This print offers a glimpse into the daily life along the Ripa Grande, a bustling port that was a hub of commerce and activity. However, what stories do not make it into this picturesque scene? Where are the voices and faces of those who experienced the harsher realities of the city? The working class toiled on the docks, the marginalized sought refuge in the shadows, and the women navigated a patriarchal society. This print invites us to consider the complex layers of Roman society and to reflect on the experiences of those who may have been overlooked. Consider the emotional and personal dimensions of this piece: the long shadows cast by the buildings, the quiet moments of contemplation by the dock. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy.