Plate 2: cross-section of the Hall of the Institute of Bologna

Bartolomeo Crivellari made this print of the Hall of the Institute of Bologna sometime in the 1700s, using an engraving technique. This was a chemical and physical process, involving a metal plate, acid, and a lot of precise handwork with specialized tools. Look closely, and you’ll see that the image is built up from thousands of tiny etched lines. It’s a world away from today’s digital printing methods. The even tonality and precise detail speak to the engraver's mastery and the considerable time required to complete the task. The physical effort is easy to overlook, but in the 18th century, this was how information circulated. The print isn't just a picture, it's a record of skilled labor, and of the social systems necessary to support the production of knowledge, art and architecture. It reflects a world where craft and intellectual pursuits were deeply intertwined.