The Forum Romanum, or Campo Vaccino, from the capitol, with the Arch of Septimus Severus in the foreground left, Temple of Vespian right, and the Colosseum in the distance (Veduta di Campo Vaccino) 1770 - 1780

This etching of the Roman Forum, or Campo Vaccino, was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi sometime before 1778. He used a technique called etching to create a detailed view of ancient ruins. Piranesi employed metal plates covered with a waxy ground, scratching into the ground with a needle to expose the metal. These lines were then bitten by acid, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The plate is then printed, transferring the image onto paper. The result is a highly detailed image with a rich range of tones, capturing the grandeur and decay of Rome's classical architecture. The material of the etching, with its fine lines and precise details, allows Piranesi to convey not just the physical appearance of the ruins, but also their historical weight. Through this print-making process, Piranesi blurs the lines between documentation and artistic interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the layers of history embedded in Rome's ruins.