La Fontana Del Nettuno, in Piazza Della Signoria 1894

This engraving by Gustav Bauernfeind captures the Fontana del Nettuno in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria. This image speaks to how public art projects are deeply embedded in social, cultural and political contexts. Dating back to the 19th century, the image captures the public role of art as a component of civic identity. The fountain, a key example of public art, becomes a focal point for the city's self-representation and reinforces the cultural values of its time. The statue of Neptune carries potent visual codes and cultural references steeped in Florentine history. To fully grasp its significance, the historian must understand its time, looking at sources that include city records, artist’s journals, and cultural commentaries to reflect on art’s importance to social and institutional contexts.