The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1772: A Building Dedicated to Chinese Philosophy
1772
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1772
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a grand, imaginary building with three tall columns and statues on top. The middle column has a clock, and the sides have small scenes inside windows. Flags and banners hang everywhere, and people below carry a large wooden structure on their shoulders. The text at the bottom calls it a "machine" for Chinese philosophy, built for a special event in 1772. The artist used lines to create shadows and details, making it look like a real place. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with acid and needles.
