AEdis antiquae, AEdificiorumque adiacentium fragmenta
1771
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1771
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows crumbling old walls and bits of buildings from ancient Rome. The lines are scratchy and sharp. Details fade in and out, like real ruins do. It’s not just a pretty picture. This piece is one of only a few made by Pietro Gaspari in 1771. He used two tools to scratch the metal plate, which makes the shadows look deep and layered. Look up Gaspari, Pietro to see more of his work.
