Concerning the Fountainhead of the Acqua Giulia. Text sheet 1761

This text sheet, Concerning the Fountainhead of the Acqua Giulia, was produced by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, most likely in Rome. It is an etching, a printmaking process that involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create an image. The image showcases Piranesi’s meticulous technique, and captures the material essence of Roman architecture. The etching process allowed him to create fine, detailed lines, crucial for rendering the textures and forms of stone and masonry. The careful rendering of light and shadow gives the scene depth, highlighting the weight and scale of the architecture. Piranesi was fascinated by the grandeur of Roman engineering. His etchings weren’t just documents; they were arguments for the value of skilled labor and the cultural significance of monumental works. The prints circulated widely, influencing the Neoclassical movement and reminding viewers of the labor and ingenuity required to build civilizations. In its way, printmaking allowed Piranesi to extend this labor into his own time.