Table 45

Francesco Cardinali

1828

Table 45 by Francesco Cardinali, 1828

Labeled 'Tavola 45,' this precise engraving feels less like a gallery piece and more like a page from a 19th-century engineer's manual. Created by Francesco Cardinali in 1828, it depicts a sturdy wooden machine—likely a pile driver or lifting mechanism—anchored firmly to the ground with diagonal braces. The fine cross-hatching captures the texture of the wood and the mechanics of the ropes, showcasing how technical knowledge was shared before photography existed. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the industrial know-how of the era, where art served the practical purpose of teaching builders how to construct the modern world.

Technique
Engraving
Material
Paper
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