Gezicht op de Engelenburcht, te Rome 1675 - 1711

This print of the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome was made using engraving. This is an intricate process where an image is incised into a metal plate, typically copper. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. The print is produced by pressing paper against the inked plate. The fine lines and detailed textures characteristic of engraving lend themselves well to architectural representations. The precision of the technique allows for a clear depiction of the Castel Sant’Angelo and its surroundings. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image. Each line on the print represents a deliberate mark made by the engraver, a time-consuming process that would have required skill and patience. The commercial nature of printmaking connects it to broader issues of labor and consumption. Prints were often produced in multiples, allowing for wider distribution and consumption of images. This print not only provides a visual record of a historical site, but also reflects the cultural and economic context in which it was made.