Portret van Giovanni Domenico Cassini 1667 - 1735

Francesco Maria Francia created this engraving of Giovanni Domenico Cassini in Italy around 1705. The print celebrates Cassini’s role as the primary astronomer of Bologna and his architectural contribution to the city. The composition of the image is divided into two distinct sections. Above, we see a profile portrait of Cassini, framed by an inscription noting his position. Below, is an image of a building, likely the astronomical observatory, with the inscription ‘Facta Copia Coeli’, meaning ‘a copy of the sky has been made’. This emphasizes the institutional context of Cassini’s work. The architecture is therefore presented as a tool for scientific observation. Wreaths and ribbons further embellish the print to connote the scientific achievement within the visual language of prestige and honour. As historians, to interpret this work more fully, we might consider civic records that could provide a clearer understanding of the cultural and institutional value of astronomy in Bologna at this time.