The basilica of San Bartolomeo all'Isola 

Curator: Let's discuss this drawing titled "The basilica of San Bartolomeo all'Isola", credited to Achille Pinelli. It looks like the work combines pen, watercolor, and perhaps even charcoal. What strikes you most immediately? Editor: The contrast between the formal architecture of the basilica and the somewhat chaotic everyday life in the foreground really captures my attention. It’s all held together by the muted palette of browns, creams, and grays. Curator: I agree. Pinelli gives us a window into the socio-economic context. You've got what appears to be the clergy in the foreground and then artisans actively engaged in repair or demolition of… possibly a chair, to the right, representing two very different types of labour and their proximity within the cityscape. Editor: Indeed. Focusing on the facade of the basilica, there's a clear hierarchy in the architectural design. The play of light and shadow, captured with watercolor, highlights the different levels of the building. It brings depth and dimension, making it feel grounded. Curator: The history of the basilica itself is intertwined with shifts in Roman society. Built upon the site of an ancient temple, later transforming into a hospital, and then, of course, the basilica we see here speaks to how spaces of labor shift through material reuse, adaptation, and even demolition to meet new social needs. Editor: You’re right. And if we return to the forms and their arrangement: notice the strong verticals in the architectural elements versus the diagonals implied by the gestures of the artisans. These lines guide the eye. The verticals reinforce a sense of established order and hierarchy. Curator: Precisely! And it's key that this drawing incorporates a combination of pen, charcoal, and watercolor which reflects the labour-intensive methods inherent in artistic production and also the social function of such visual documentation. Editor: I find that visual complexity quite appealing. It elevates a city scene beyond a simple historical record. It turns a commonplace view into something striking. Curator: I agree completely, I am drawn in by the layers of meanings about place and practice the drawing unearths for us.