Gezicht op het theater van Marcellus 1627 - 1665

Nicolas Perelle made this print of the Theatre of Marcellus using etching, a technique that's all about process. To create this image, Perelle would have coated a metal plate with wax, then drawn into the wax with a needle to expose the metal. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface wiped clean. Finally, the image was transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you'll notice the etched lines varying in thickness and depth, giving a sense of volume and texture to the ancient stone. But what's equally fascinating is how this method democratized image-making. Compared to painting or sculpture, printmaking allowed for wider distribution, bringing architectural wonders to a broader audience. This etching isn't just a depiction of a ruin; it's a testament to the power of reproducible media in shaping our understanding of history and place.