Zwei Knaben unter einem BaumAus der Folge_ Figuren aus dem römischen und neapolitanischen Volke 1793

This print, made by Friedrich Rehberg, belongs to a series of images depicting figures from the Roman and Neapolitan populace. It was made using etching, a printmaking technique in which lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, allowing for highly detailed and controlled mark-making. The fineness of the etched lines gives a clear sense of the artist’s skilled hand. The choice of etching as a medium speaks volumes. Unlike painting or sculpture, printmaking allows for the easy reproduction of images. This made it ideal for circulating representations of different social classes, bringing them into broader cultural awareness. Here, the figures of two young boys are presented in a style that idealizes labor, suggesting an almost pastoral vision of the underclass. The very act of etching – a process requiring patience, expertise, and replicability – speaks to the complex relationships between art, labor, and social representation that were emerging at this time. By focusing on the materiality and means of production, we can gain a clearer understanding of its historical context.