Pietro Aretino (1640, Met-Objekt 2174)
Original title: Pietro Aretino
kurzbeschreibung
This portrait shows the Tuscan poet Pietro Aretino in a bust-length view. Wenceslaus Hollar etched the likeness in 1640. A prominent beard and the poet's headwear stand out, giving the image its distinctive character.
Description
A thick, curly beard frames the face, and a turban-like covering sits on his head. The garment displays a clear striped pattern. The background remains plain and dark, drawing the eye to the face. At the bottom of the sheet is an inscription with the poet's name and origin, hard to make out because of the damage.
Context
This portrait by Hollar was made in 1640, about four years after Aretino's death. Aretino was a noted Renaissance writer, famous for his satirical texts and letters. The Bohemian engraver Hollar was then working in England, where he produced many portraits of well-known figures.
Impact
The dark, restrained background and the delicate linework of the etching lend the portrait a serious, dignified air. The penetrating gaze and the carefully worked areas of beard and clothing bring Aretino's personality clearly to the fore.
Technique
Executed as an etching, the sheet relies on fine strokes and hatching. This is the first of four print states, indicating an early stage in the work's development. The impression is heavily damaged, affecting both the text and the image.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)