Piramide van Cestius te Rome 1575

This print of the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome was made by Étienne Dupérac, likely using an etching or engraving technique. This would involve coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, drawing the image with a sharp needle to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid to create the etched lines. The image shows a massive architectural structure rendered through labor-intensive, repetitive actions. The precision of the lines and the controlled application of the acid are crucial to the print’s aesthetic. Dupérac meticulously details each brick, emphasizing the monumentality and imposing scale of the pyramid within its urban setting. The incised lines create a stark contrast, capturing light and shadow to emphasize the pyramid’s form and texture. The use of printmaking extends the reach of classical architecture, making it accessible to a wider audience through mass production, connecting artistic skill with the labor of reproduction. In this way, printmaking democratizes access to architectural marvels.