Gezicht op de kerk Santi Luca e Martina en de Boog van Septimus Severus te Rome 18th century

This print, “View of the Church Santi Luca e Martina and the Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome,” was created by the widow Chapoulaud. Its fine lines were achieved through the process of etching, where acid eats into a metal plate, and then enhanced with engraving, a more direct method of incising lines by hand. Look closely, and you'll see that the material qualities of the print – its crispness and detail – allow for a meticulous depiction of the Roman architecture and the figures populating the scene. The addition of color, likely applied by hand, animates the composition and draws our attention to the social life unfolding amidst these ancient monuments. Prints like these were part of a booming industry, catering to a growing market for images of famous sites. The labor involved in producing such prints, from the skilled artisans to the individuals applying color, reflects the complex economic systems of the time. By considering the materials, techniques, and social context of this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its significance, challenging any strict separation between art and craft.