Royal courtyard in the center of which is a loggia with fountains, statues, and other ornaments among the columns. In the distance are rotundas with skylights according to the modern fashion. 1743

This print of a royal courtyard was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century, using etching, a process that's all about lines. Look at how the etched lines define every detail, from the grand columns to the distant rotundas. Piranesi masterfully uses these lines to create a sense of depth and perspective, inviting you into this imagined space. Notice the texture he achieves, making the stone and ornamentation almost tangible. Etching is a labor-intensive process. The artist coats a metal plate with wax, then scratches away the wax to expose the metal. Dipping the plate in acid eats away at these exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the groove, the darker the line when printed. The final print is a direct result of this physical process, bearing the mark of the artist’s hand and the acid’s bite. So, as you gaze at this print, remember the work and the skilled traditions that went into its making, merging art, craft, labor, and society.