Fire 1784

Francesco Bartolozzi made this print, entitled ‘Fire’, in 1785, using an etching technique called stipple engraving. Here, the image is built up from a constellation of tiny dots, rather than lines. Bartolozzi likely used a tool called a roulette to create these tiny marks on the copper plate. He then applied ink to the plate, and transferred the image to paper using a printing press. This process would have allowed for multiple impressions to be made from the same plate, which made images more widely accessible than unique drawings. Bartolozzi was known for his skill as a reproductive engraver. He made prints after drawings and paintings by other artists, playing a key role in disseminating visual culture. The labor of printmaking facilitated the circulation of images, reflecting the growing commercialization of art in the late 18th century. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we can appreciate the skilled labor involved in its production, and how it connects to broader trends in art and commerce.