Archway of The Colosseum, First Level 1822

Jean-Baptiste Isabey created this image of the Colosseum’s archway using a technique called etching, sometime around 1820. It's essentially drawing with acid on a metal plate, then using that plate to print multiple images. Here, the etched lines describe the rough, aged texture of the ancient stone, capturing the weight and scale of the Colosseum, while also rendering a picturesque scene of a couple strolling through the ruins. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the light and shadow are carefully rendered to give the stones volume and depth. The technique of etching allows for detailed work, but also for subtle gradations of tone, giving the image a painterly quality. This print reflects a growing interest in classical antiquity, but it also speaks to the rise of tourism. Etchings like this were relatively inexpensive to produce and were often sold as souvenirs, reminding us that even grand historical monuments can become part of a system of consumption. It’s a reminder that art is not just about the image, but also about the means of its production and circulation.