Panorama van de stad Rome 1765

Giuseppe Vasi’s ‘Panorama of the City of Rome’ is an etching, likely from the mid-18th century. This is a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked to create a raised image on paper. The incredibly fine lines give a sense of the bustling metropolis. Look closely, and you can see how Vasi used varied densities of line to create depth and texture. The technique also demanded precision and planning. The image would have been carefully composed and transferred to the plate, and then each line etched by hand. The print would then be multiplied many times, and circulated, playing a crucial role in shaping how people far and wide imagined this ancient capital. Consider that the production of such images relied on a complex network of skilled artisans, from the engraver himself to the printers and distributors. It’s a reminder that even seemingly ‘simple’ images are the product of intricate labor. This etching invites us to consider the complex social and material forces that shape our understanding of the world.