Pope Visiting Construction Site of a Bridge n.d.

Ciro Ferri created this pen and brown ink drawing of a Pope visiting the construction site of a bridge in the latter half of the 17th century. This is not only a depiction of a grand infrastructure project, but also a carefully staged scene of power. The image shows the Pope, surrounded by his retinue, overseeing the construction. Ferri was working in Rome at a time when the papacy was actively engaged in urban development to enhance its prestige. The bridge can be seen as a symbol of papal authority, connecting different parts of the city and facilitating trade and communication. The Pope's visit to the site reinforces the idea of the church as a builder and benefactor. The drawing also highlights the labor involved in such a project, with workers shown toiling in the foreground. To fully understand this drawing, we can turn to archival sources such as papal records, architectural plans, and contemporary accounts of Roman urban development. This helps us to appreciate how art both reflected and shaped the social and institutional landscape of its time.