Doorsnede van de Dom van Milaan 1728

This print, “Doorsnede van de Dom van Milaan,” was made by Caietanus le Poer, using the technique of etching. Etching is an old process, dating back to the medieval period. The artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then scratches an image into it with a needle. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, leaving an image in the metal. Ink is then applied, and the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. In this case, Le Poer has used the technique to its full potential, depicting the Duomo’s complex architecture. What is so interesting here is the paradox between the monumental architecture, which took centuries to complete using vast amounts of labor, and the relatively quick process of etching used to capture it. It shows how printmaking democratizes access to such iconic buildings. Ultimately, this print reminds us that every image, every monument, is the product of many hands. We should remember to acknowledge the labor that lies beneath every finished work.