Gezicht op een toren bij Napels 1647

Israel Silvestre made this etching of a tower near Naples in 1647. It presents itself as a documentary record, one of ‘diverse views of seaports’. But what is the public role of such an image? Silvestre worked at a time when printmaking was becoming a powerful tool of communication. This image creates meaning through its visual codes and historical associations. It presents a romanticized view of the Italian landscape, emphasizing the picturesque qualities of the tower and the bustling port activity. The tower itself, in its ruined state, speaks to the passage of time and the transience of human achievement. Silvestre was working during the Baroque period, when art was often used to convey power and authority. His prints found a ready market among wealthy collectors and institutions eager to celebrate military exploits. Understanding the political and economic context in which Silvestre operated helps us better understand the meaning and significance of his work. Art historians draw on a variety of research resources to understand this.