Ancient marble Altar in the palace of the Farnesina 

This image depicts an ancient marble altar, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, as documented by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Marble, a material prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal, was quarried and transported to workshops where skilled artisans meticulously shaped and carved it. The process involved removing excess material to reveal the desired forms, demanding a high level of technical skill and precision. The altar's surface is covered with intricate carvings, demonstrating the sculptor's mastery of the medium. Piranesi’s work has always been associated with the aesthetic of fragmentation; he always preferred process to outcome, labor to the alleged grace of the finished work. What this etching makes evident is the vast amount of work required to keep the aesthetic machinery of the 18th century running. By emphasizing the materials, making processes, and historical context, we gain a deeper understanding of the labor and skill involved in the production of this magnificent altar.