Concerning the Fountainhead of the Acqua Giulia. Text sheet 1761

This is a text sheet made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, sometime before 1778. Printed on paper, the sheet meticulously details Piranesi's observations on the Aqua Giulia aqueduct, a monumental feat of Roman engineering. But consider the making of *this* object: a printed sheet, disseminating information, and enshrining Piranesi's expertise. Look at the density of the text, the regimented columns, and the footnotes packed in at the bottom. All of these design choices speak to the printmaker's expertise. The Aqua Giulia was made to supply water to the city of Rome, and this textual analysis of it allows Piranesi to supply his knowledge to an audience. Piranesi's detailed study, reproduced through the medium of print, reflects the era's growing interest in empirical investigation, and the power of the printing press to distribute knowledge widely, challenging traditional methods of knowledge production. Ultimately, the sheet stands as a testament to the value of expertise, and its role in shaping cultural understanding.