The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XII. View of the Family Tomb of Plautius on the road leading from Rome to Tivoli near Ponte Lugano. 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching of the Family Tomb of Plautius near Ponte Lugano. Piranesi was a master printmaker, celebrated for his dramatic, detailed depictions of Roman antiquities. Note the labor-intensive process of etching, where the artist coats a metal plate with wax, draws through it, and then immerses the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. This technique allows for incredibly fine detail, seen in the textures of the stonework and the play of light and shadow. Piranesi's prints were widely circulated, serving as both documentation and romanticized visions of Rome's past. They catered to a growing market of collectors and tourists, fueling a fascination with classical architecture. The image reflects the labor involved not only in its making, but also the massive effort required to build the original tomb, a testament to the power and wealth of the Plautius family. Considering the materials, making, and context of this print, it's clear that Piranesi's work bridges the gap between craft, art, and commerce.