Façade van Palazzo Muti after 1655

Giovanni Battista Falda made this print of the Palazzo Muti in Rome around 1688, using etching and engraving on paper. The artistry lies in Falda’s mastery of the burin, a tool used to carve lines into a metal plate. Look closely, and you’ll see how the density and direction of these etched lines create the illusion of light and shadow, lending depth to the façade. This wasn't just documentation; it was a form of architectural promotion. Prints like these circulated among wealthy patrons, showcasing the grandeur and sophistication they could aspire to in their own building projects. Consider the labor involved, from quarrying the stone for the palazzo itself, to Falda's skilled hand meticulously rendering every detail. This print not only captures the aesthetic of the building, but also tells a story of craftsmanship, aspiration, and the economics of taste in 17th-century Rome.