Theater in Saint Peter's Basilica for the Canonization of Gaetano Thiene and Francis Borgia on April 12, 1671 1671

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print titled "Theater in Saint Peter's Basilica for the Canonization of Gaetano Thiene and Francis Borgia on April 12, 1671". The composition is dominated by an architectural rendering of the interior of Saint Peter's, teeming with figures that animate the religious ceremony. Falda masterfully employs linear perspective to emphasize the cavernous space, drawing the viewer's eye toward the high altar. The rigorous lines of the basilica's structure are softened by the curves of the arches and domes, creating a dynamic interplay between geometry and fluidity. The texture is rich, achieved through intricate cross-hatching that gives depth to the stone and fabric. This suggests the opulence of the Catholic Church and also mirrors the theatricality of the canonization event itself. Here, the architecture symbolizes the enduring power of the Church while the ephemeral theater represents the performative aspects of religious spectacle. This print does not just capture an event; it stages a discourse on power, faith, and representation.