Admiranda romananum antiquitatum ac veteris sculpturae vestigia 1693

Pietro Santi Bartoli made this print, "Admiranda romananum antiquitatum," sometime in the 17th century, using etching and engraving. These are both intaglio processes, where the artist incises lines into a metal plate, applies ink, and then transfers the image to paper under great pressure. Here, the sharp, precise lines create a scene of Roman triumphalism, referencing ancient sculptures and ideals. The material process itself carries social significance. Printmaking in this era was a form of mass communication, disseminating images and ideas widely. Bartoli's choice of subject matter reinforces the power structures of his time, harking back to a glorified past of conquest and empire. It's a reminder that even seemingly straightforward reproduction techniques are embedded in networks of labor, politics, and consumption. Appreciating the work involved in creating these prints challenges us to consider the messages they convey and their impact on society. The art challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.