Plattegrond van het souterrain van het Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi te Genua - Peter Paul Rubens

An architectural floor plan of the Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi in Genoa, published by Peter Paul Rubens in 1622.

This architectural plan depicts the basement level of the Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi in Genoa. It originates from the publication 'Palazzi di Genova', a collection of architectural studies compiled by Peter Paul Rubens. First released in 1622, this work documents the grand residences of the Genoese aristocracy, reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance and Baroque design on Northern European architecture.

The print is a technical document, focusing on the spatial arrangement of the subterranean floor. It employs precise, clean lines to delineate the walls, staircases, and room divisions. The cross-hatching within the wall structures provides a clear visual distinction between solid masonry and open interior spaces. Annotations in Italian are present, including a note regarding measurements and cardinal directions, which assist in orienting the viewer within the structure. The engraving was executed by Nicolaes Ryckemans, who collaborated with Rubens to translate his original drawings into a reproducible format for wider circulation among architects and patrons.

As a historical document, this print offers insight into the domestic organisation of a seventeenth-century Italian palace. The layout reveals a functional approach to space, with clearly defined circulation paths and structural supports. The inclusion of the 'Figura 1' label and the formal title at the base indicates its role as part of a larger, systematic catalogue of architectural types. The aesthetic is restrained and utilitarian, prioritising clarity and accuracy over decorative flourish. This print is a valuable example of how architectural knowledge was disseminated across Europe during the early seventeenth century, bridging the gap between Italian design principles and the broader European artistic consciousness.