Fontein op Piazza Navona te Rome 1637

This is Domenico Parasacchi's etching of the Fountain of Piazza Navona in Rome, created sometime in the mid-17th century. As an etching, its creation involved the skilled application of acid to a metal plate, a process demanding precision and control, and requiring laborious work by artisans, each contributing to the final print. The stark contrast between light and shadow is achieved by varying the depth and density of etched lines, showcasing the importance of the craftsman's mark. The fountain depicted here embodies the aesthetics of the Baroque period with its intricate sculptures and dramatic water displays. It’s a testament to the era’s opulence, and reminds us that the built environment around us is as much a product of human labour as any object we might put on a pedestal. Ultimately, this print invites us to look beyond the mere representation of a fountain and think more deeply about the social and economic contexts that bring works of art to life.