Pietro Aretino (1640, Met-Objekt 2173)
Original title: Pietro Aretino
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar etched this portrait of the Italian writer Pietro Aretino in 1640. The print is the second of four states. Aretino appears in a bust-length view, wearing a turban and a striped garment.
Description
A man with a thick, wavy beard looks out from the image. His head is covered by a turban-like cap, and his body is wrapped in a garment with a striking striped pattern. The face and upper torso anchor the arrangement, while the background stays plain and dark. Everything is rendered in black and white with fine, detailed strokes. A text at the bottom of the sheet gives the sitter's name.
Context
The Bohemian printmaker Wenceslaus Hollar made this portrait in 1640, during a period when he was working in England. The subject is Pietro Aretino (1492–1556), an influential Renaissance writer known for his satires and letters. Hollar often relied on other artists' models when portraying famous figures of his time.
Impact
The bearded man's distinctive appearance and the delicate linework give the portrait a dignified yet lively presence. Because the background remains dark and the lighter areas of the face stand out against it, the eye is drawn straight to his features.
Technique
For this etching, a plate was bitten with acid to create the lines and then printed on paper. Hollar worked with a precise, fine needle that captures the beard and clothing down to the smallest detail.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)