The Walls of Ancient Rome c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is Jan Gerritsz van Bronchorst's "The Walls of Ancient Rome." It's a black and white etching. The crumbling walls are incredibly detailed, almost tactile. What stands out to you about the materiality and construction here? Curator: Notice the process: etching allowed for mass production, commodifying the Roman ruin. Consider the labor involved in both its original construction and the etching process. Who was consuming these images, and what did Rome represent to them? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about the consumption aspect. It's more than just a pretty picture. Curator: Exactly. The ruin becomes a product. It's about material culture and how images circulate. Editor: I see how the printmaking emphasizes the making of art, and I appreciate this new way to read art. Curator: I hope that you have found a fresh way to think about art in a way you haven't done before.