Drie vrouwen en twee mannen uit Sonnino 1819

Bartolomeo Pinelli made this etching of three women and two men from Sonnino. The process of etching is all about controlled degradation. The artist coats a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then draws through it with a needle to expose the metal. When the plate is submerged in acid, the drawn lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. In Pinelli’s image, the etching technique lends a stark, linear quality to the depiction of these figures. The parallel lines used to create shading are clearly visible, emphasizing the labor-intensive process. Look closely, and you can see that Pinelli has lavished the most detail on the traditional costumes worn by the figures. He was known for documenting the folk traditions of the Roman countryside, often portraying the working classes with dignity. Ultimately, this etching isn't just a picture; it's a record of the artist's hand and a window into a specific time and place.