View of the arches of the consuls Dolabella and Silanus enclosed within the Neronian arches of the Acqua Claudia, from the series 'Roman Antiquities' (Le Antichità Romane) 1756

This print of Roman antiquities was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi sometime before 1778, using etching and engraving techniques on paper. Piranesi was not only an artist but also an antiquarian, and his detailed prints documented the ruins of Rome. The dense lines and cross-hatching create a rich visual texture, almost like the stone itself. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the engraver’s tools. The act of creating the print mirrors the work of the ancient Roman laborers who originally built these arches. Both required immense skill and patience. What's fascinating here is how Piranesi blurs the lines between documentation and artistic interpretation, reminding us that even seemingly objective records are shaped by the hand and eye of the maker. By emphasizing the materiality and the labor involved, Piranesi elevates printmaking to a form of historical commentary.