Gezicht op de ruïne van het Septizonium te Rome c. 1700 - 1710

This print, "Gezicht op de ruïne van het Septizonium te Rome," was made by an anonymous artist using etching, a printmaking technique. The artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawn the image, and finally bathed the plate in acid, which bites into the metal. Here, the etched lines create a stark, linear image of the ruined Septizonium. The process is very much about labor, as it involves careful, repetitive actions. The dense network of lines suggests the artist’s skill in translating the textures and forms of the ancient architecture onto a flat surface. Consider the social context: prints like these were often made for a growing tourist trade, a kind of early version of the postcard. This print is not just a depiction, but also an artifact of a specific time and place, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and the commodification of history itself. By understanding the materials, the making, and the broader context, we gain a richer appreciation for the artistry and its cultural value.