San Gimignano 1923

Louis Conrad Rosenberg made this etching of San Gimignano with incredible intricacy and fine lines. I imagine him carefully crafting each mark, building up the image bit by bit. The artist has lovingly built up the surface with lots of cross-hatching to create a gentle sepia tone, it's so subtle and soft! The details of the town emerge out of the hillside, as the high towers mark its skyline. The city feels grounded, like a natural extension of the land. Then, Rosenberg adds birds in flight above the towers - what a simple and effective gesture to complete the composition and lead the eye. It reminds me a bit of Piranesi and his etched views of Rome. Artists are always borrowing and building on the past, you know? Each new work adds to the conversation and keeps it going. Etching is such a beautiful, sensual process. You can really feel the artist’s hand in this print.