Geornamenteerd object met het portret van Ranuccio Farnese II, hertog van Parma en Piacenza 1706 - 1796

Giuseppe Pini created this ornamented print depicting Ranuccio Farnese II, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, likely in Italy during the late 17th or early 18th century. It blends portraiture with allegorical imagery, reflecting the Duke’s status and the ideals of his rule. The print is rich with visual cues typical of Baroque art meant to communicate power. The portrait of Ranuccio, framed by ornate decorations, connects him to classical virtues through symbols like the cornucopia. The inclusion of sea horses references Parma's ambitions or connections to maritime power. Images of rulers such as this served as propaganda, reinforcing social hierarchies and the legitimacy of the Farnese dynasty. To truly understand this print, we delve into the social and institutional history of the Farnese family. Archival research, studies of courtly life, and analyses of contemporary political thought would shed light on its meaning. Art is always shaped by its context.