View of the Piazza del Popolo 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching of the Piazza del Popolo in Rome, sometime before 1778. As an etching, the artwork begins with a metal plate, likely copper, meticulously coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. Piranesi would have used a sharp needle to scratch away the coating, exposing the metal beneath. He then submerged the plate in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating incised grooves. Ink was applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface wiped clean. Finally, the image was transferred to paper under great pressure. Look closely and you'll see the material process embedded in the image. The stark contrast and fine lines lend the scene a remarkable clarity, emphasizing the architectural grandeur of the piazza. The printmaking process allows for the depiction of intricate details, from the elaborate fountains to the bustling crowds. The labor of the artist is evident in every line and shadow, requiring not only artistic skill but also technical expertise and physical endurance. This challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, blurring the lines between artistry, craft, and the broader social context of production.