Palazzo Clary, Rio Ognissanti 1920

Fabio Mauroner made this etching called Palazzo Clary, Rio Ognissanti sometime between the late 19th and mid 20th century. Just look at the way the light shimmers on the water, and how those heavy buildings manage to float above. I can imagine Mauroner in his studio, pulling one print after another, each slightly different, each capturing a slightly different mood. And it’s not just about observation, but about memory, about feeling. It's like he is asking: how do we hold onto a place once it's gone, or changed? How do we fix what escapes? The tones are dark, almost monochromatic. The surface is rich and velvety, with a real sense of depth. It reminds me of Piranesi or Whistler, artists who also used etching to explore atmosphere and emotion. Artists are always in conversation with each other across time, aren’t they? Sharing ideas, inspiring each other, trying to capture something essential about the world.