Piazza di Spagna, Rome 1927

This is Louis Conrad Rosenberg’s etching of Piazza di Spagna, Rome, made sometime during his career. What strikes me first is the intricacy of the linework, an all-over busyness, that somehow manages to describe the textures and volumes of these buildings, this very famous place. The marks here are fascinating. Look at the way he renders the façade of the buildings; the density of the lines creates a sense of depth and shadow, almost like a photographic negative. Then, notice the areas where the lines are sparse, giving the impression of light and air. This push and pull, this game of positive and negative, brings the scene to life. It’s the same in the foreground, where the figures are rendered with quick, gestural marks, giving a sense of movement and activity. I’m reminded of Piranesi and other artists who used etching to capture the grandeur and decay of Rome. There’s a similar sense of drama here, a feeling of being swept up in the energy of the city. Rosenberg’s etching is a reminder that art isn’t about capturing a perfect image, but about conveying a feeling, a mood, a sense of place.