Gezicht op de S. Maria in Cosmedin, de Vesta tempel en de Ponte S. Maria te Rome 1699 - 1719

Michiel van Overbeek created this print of the S. Maria in Cosmedin, the Vesta temple, and the Ponte S. Maria in Rome using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. The etcher protects a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then draws through the ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the darker the line. The plate is inked, the surface wiped clean, and the print is made by pressing paper against the plate. Here, the lines define the architectural landscape, their depth varying to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Etching allowed artists to create multiple images quickly, making art more accessible. The detailed work reflects the labor-intensive process, in contrast to the mass production of today, highlighting a moment in history where art and craft intertwined.