Split and elevations of the Tavern of the Priapus 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching of the Tavern of the Priapus using metal plates and acid. Piranesi's prints weren't just records; they engaged in the thrill of discovery, and the social implications of the past. Etching is an indirect process. The artist protects areas of a metal plate with wax, then bathes the plate in acid. This bites into the exposed metal, creating lines that hold ink. The plate is then printed onto paper. The final result is a detailed, atmospheric image. Look closely, and you can see the cross-hatching and fine lines, building up a rich tonal range. It is a world of light and shadow, emphasizing the ruinous state of the tavern. This aestheticization speaks to the picturesque movement, which valued the aesthetic qualities of decay. Piranesi sold these prints to wealthy tourists, fueling a fascination with antiquity and contributing to the developing field of archaeology. He wasn't just making art, he was participating in the construction of history, and a burgeoning tourist economy.