Porta Maggiore te Rome 1549

This print of the Porta Maggiore in Rome, by an anonymous artist, showcases the monument's architectural grandeur through the precise medium of engraving. Engraving demands meticulous labor. The image is achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then transferring the ink to paper under immense pressure. Here, the linear quality of the engraving lends itself well to capturing the monument's architectural details, from the rusticated stone blocks to the inscriptions that proudly declare the achievements of Roman emperors. But the print does more than just record the monument. It also serves as a testament to the engraver's skill, and the broader culture of printmaking in its own time. It shows that the traditions of craft and artistic representation can intersect, and that each artistic decision about material matters and process contributes to a larger understanding and appreciation of our history.