Porta Pia, elevation (recto) Porta Pia, window, elevation; section (verso) 1500 - 1560

This drawing of the Porta Pia, now in the Met's collection, was made anonymously with pen and brown ink, over black chalk on cream laid paper. The drawing's material qualities speak to its purpose as a technical document. The precise lines, rendered with ink and the subtle underdrawing in chalk, reflect the architectural draftsperson's skill. The choice of paper, a relatively inexpensive material, indicates its function as a working drawing, not a finished artwork. The anonymity of the artist further emphasizes this point; their individual expression was secondary to the accurate representation of the architectural design. The drawing's social significance lies in its connection to the construction industry, a key component of urban development. It embodies a vast amount of labor, from quarrying stone to its meticulous placement. The drawing is a record of design, planning, and ultimately, the transformation of raw materials into a built environment. By understanding the materials and processes behind this drawing, we appreciate its role in the wider context of architectural production.