Two Venetian magistrates standing in front of the Palazzo Ducale, from the 'Divers portraits gravés à l'eau-forte et dediés à M.Dominique Corvi' 1775

Giovanni David created this print of two Venetian magistrates using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 18th century. To make an etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the surface. This creates grooves that hold ink, allowing the image to be printed onto paper. Here, the etched lines define the figures' elaborate robes and wigs, as well as the architectural details of the Palazzo Ducale. But beyond this, the print hints at the social dynamics of Venice at the time, with its strict hierarchies and emphasis on civic duty. The magistrates' attire signifies their status and authority. It also reflects the labor of the artisans who produced such garments. By using the relatively accessible medium of etching, David brings these figures into wider circulation, engaging with debates about labor, politics, and consumption. In this way, the print bridges fine art and social commentary, revealing the rich layers of meaning embedded within the image.