Gezin uit Civita Castellana 1819

This print, "Gezin uit Civita Castellana," was made by Bartolomeo Pinelli in the early 19th century using etching. This intaglio printmaking technique involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, allowing for finely detailed, linear designs. The image depicts a family from Civita Castellana in Italy, with the father and child riding a donkey, while the mother walks alongside carrying a basket. The use of etching allows for a high level of detail, capturing the textures of the clothing and the contours of the landscape. The deliberate lines create contrast, bringing attention to the figures and their activities. Printmaking in this period was intrinsically linked to social context, providing accessible images to a wide audience. Pinelli's choice of depicting everyday life speaks to a broader interest in genre scenes and the lives of common people. The work is not just a depiction, but an intimate portrayal of the social fabric of the time. Appreciating the work involves reflecting on the artist's hand, and the broader world of labor and production that it evokes.