The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XLIX. Inscriptions and fragments of the burial chambers of the Villa de `Five. 

This print, made around 1760 by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, depicts Roman antiquities using etching, a printmaking technique involving acid and metal. The material reality of this printmaking process is vital to understanding it. The bold lines and sharp details were achieved by coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into it, then bathing the plate in acid. This labor-intensive process allowed Piranesi to create multiple copies, disseminating his vision of Roman grandeur to a wide audience. The print depicts objects associated with death and commemoration, like burial chambers. It’s fascinating how Piranesi emphasizes the materiality of these artifacts through his meticulous technique. Consider the contrast between the smooth surfaces of the urns and the rough textures of the broken fragments. By carefully rendering these details, Piranesi invites us to contemplate the physical presence of the past and the skill of the artisans who created these objects centuries ago. He transforms utilitarian objects into aesthetically compelling artifacts. This challenges traditional distinctions between archaeology, art, and craft.