View of eighteen side columns 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this print, View of eighteen side columns, using etching, a process rooted in craft. Look closely, and you’ll see the etched lines that describe this ancient ruin. Etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. Acid is then applied, biting into the exposed lines. This creates grooves that hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under pressure. Piranesi's skill as a draughtsman is evident in the level of detail and the dramatic composition. The print captures the texture and weight of the ancient stone, while also conveying a sense of the vastness of the site. This print isn’t just a record; it’s an experience shaped by labor and the intaglio printing process. By focusing on the materiality and techniques, we move beyond traditional art history, appreciating not just the image, but the artistry and the labor involved in its creation.