Via Appia (Appian Way) 1960

This print of the Appian Way was made by Anton Lehmden, and it’s a real exploration in mark-making. The whole image feels like it’s been built up through tiny, careful scratches, it's a real labour of love. I’m drawn to the upper left corner, where the landscape’s been described through this dense network of lines. It's kind of amazing, the way it captures the rough texture of the overgrown hillside. The lines create depth and shadow, but they also feel like a record of the artist’s process – each one a decision, a tiny act of construction. It reminds me a little of Piranesi, in the way it captures the grandeur and decay of ancient ruins. But there’s also something very personal and intimate about the way Lehmden’s worked. It’s like he’s inviting us to slow down, to trace the lines with our own eyes, and to discover the beauty in the details. Art isn't about perfection; it's about conversation, about seeing and thinking.