Bologna 1893

Charles John Watson made this etching called 'Bologna' in 1882. Watson, a British artist, was part of a broader movement of etchers who sought to revive the medium as a form of original artistic expression, rather than just reproduction. Consider the appeal of Bologna itself. As a city, it was steeped in history and culture, home to the oldest university in Europe, a place where the weight of tradition and the promise of the future coexisted. In the 19th century, there was a growing sense of national identity and cultural pride. Artists sought to capture the essence of their own countries and cities. Watson's choice of Bologna reflects a fascination with the past, combined with the changing identities of European cities. Here, the grand architecture and the vast steps leading up to the building create a sense of monumentality, yet the figures are small and somewhat indistinct. This contrast between the built environment and the people who inhabit it speaks to the complex relationship between individuals and the spaces they occupy.