Handles, knockers, hinges found in Pompeii 

Curator: Here we have a print titled "Handles, knockers, hinges found in Pompeii" by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It's an engraving that presents an array of architectural hardware recovered from the ancient city. Editor: My immediate reaction is a fascination with texture and form. The stark contrasts in black and white emphasize the sculptural qualities of each piece, particularly those ornate lion heads and scrolling hinges. There's a satisfying visual rhythm created by the arrangement. Curator: Exactly. Each object provides insights into the lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants and artisans, reminding us about power and privilege. Consider that lion head; what did it signify to those passing through the door? And what social stratum could afford such decoration? Editor: You're right, context is crucial. However, I am equally interested in how Piranesi organizes these relics on the page. The strategic placement, and the etching lines create an impressive three-dimensionality, which I think helps viewers understand material, such as bronze, despite being translated into two dimensions. Curator: Piranesi was indeed skilled, straddling artistry and historical documentation. This isn’t just a depiction of metalwork, but also an investigation into our relationship with objects and places lost through catastrophic events. How we are linked to our past is a powerful and universal idea. Editor: I can appreciate the links you're making between past and present. What strikes me as significant here is the interplay of geometric and organic forms – the rigid rectangles juxtaposed with those fluid, vegetal scrolls. It produces a complex and deeply compelling image. Curator: The contrast you highlight brings out deeper implications about our connections between urban planning and class separation in Pompeii. Everything speaks. Every tiny knob tells us something if we listen. Editor: Indeed, a testament to the power of objects – and engravings like this – to transcend time. Curator: It's like stepping into a world that both familiar and totally lost. Editor: I'll agree with you on that; Piranesi gives us a view of life through the doorway.