Diverse Manners of Ornamenting Chimneys 1769

This etching of chimney ornaments was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 1700s. It’s an elaborate array of luxury goods rendered in ink on paper, but consider what it represents: objects made of precious metals, stone, and glass, all requiring extensive labor. The print depicts a clock, vases, and candelabras densely packed with ornament. Look closely at the intricate details, all achieved by etching lines into a metal plate. The stark black and white emphasizes form and texture, highlighting the inherent qualities of each object. Piranesi’s skill in capturing these details underscores the labor involved, and the division of labor that would have been necessary to realize such complexity in three dimensions. This image isn't just a representation of wealth, it is a statement of production. Piranesi elevates the material and making process of these objects, subtly challenging the hierarchy between fine art and craft. By focusing on design and execution, he invites us to consider the social context of these extravagant displays and the many hands involved in their creation.