Villa Farnese te Caprarola c. 1750 - 1799

This print of the Villa Farnese in Caprarola was made by Domenico Montaigù, using etching, a printmaking technique. The image shows the Villa and its extensive grounds in precise detail, likely intended for the consumption of wealthy patrons, or aspiring ones, keen to see the latest trends in Italian architecture. To create an etching, Montaigù would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. He then scratched through the ground with a sharp needle to expose the metal beneath, before submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the darker the line will appear in the final print. After removing the ground, ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines. The surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The crisp, linear quality of etching is perfect for capturing the architectural precision of the Villa Farnese. But remember, this print is not just a record of a building; it’s a testament to human labor, skill, and the desire to share and consume images of beauty and power.