Mercato Vecchio 1883

Joseph Pennell made this etching of the Mercato Vecchio using a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The image was created by incising lines into the plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper, a process that allows for multiple impressions. The character of the etched line is crucial here. Notice how it varies in weight and density, giving a sense of depth and atmosphere. Pennell was a master of this medium, exploiting its potential to capture the energy of the modern city. The rapid, almost scribbled lines convey a sense of immediacy, as if the scene were captured in a fleeting moment. Think of the labor involved: the careful preparation of the plate, the precise etching, the inking and printing. This isn’t just a picture of a marketplace; it’s a record of a skilled artisan engaging with the urban landscape, transforming it through a complex, time-honored process. It’s a powerful reminder that even in an age of mass production, the hand of the maker still holds sway.