Gezicht op het Campo Vaccino c. 1850 - 1870

Jean Jacottet captured this view of the Campo Vaccino in Rome using lithography, a printmaking technique reliant on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The image begins as a drawing on a flat stone, typically limestone, with a greasy crayon or ink. Here, Jacottet’s skill is evident in the subtle gradations of tone and fine lines, which create depth and texture across the cityscape. This print is one of many that were produced to satisfy a growing appetite for images of famous places. Lithography was particularly well-suited to this task, as it allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of detailed images. Consider the labor involved in the production of such prints: from the quarrying of the limestone, to the artist’s drawing, to the printing process itself. Each step relied on the skills of specialized workers, contributing to a broader system of production and consumption. Appreciating the work's material and processes allows us to consider its place within a network of making, labor, and commerce.