Raphael
Original title: Raphael
kurzbeschreibung
In 1651 Wenceslaus Hollar portrayed the Italian painter Raphael in a bust-length etching. This impression is the second state of two and measures 24.7 × 17.2 cm.
Description
A man with long dark hair and a full beard gazes out at the viewer. He wears a simple garment whose collar carries a pattern. A curtain or cloth behind him is slightly parted and conceals the back wall. Beneath the portrait, large black letters read “RAPHAEL D'VRBIN,” followed by Latin inscriptions.
Context
The Bohemian etcher Wenceslaus Hollar made this portrait in 1651 as a reproduction of a painting by Raphael. Raphael (1483–1520) ranks among the foremost artists of the High Renaissance and is known for his Madonnas and the frescoes in the Vatican. Hollar produced numerous reproductive prints after works by famous masters. The inscriptions below the image provide information about the artist and the date.
Impact
Delicate lines and hatching give the sitter a calm, dignified presence. The direct gaze and plain clothing create an intimate, focused mood. The clear layout draws attention to the face and the inscription.
Technique
The etching can be recognized by its fine lines and hatching. Hollar used the technique to render details such as the texture of the hair and the pattern of the fabric precisely. The print was trimmed within the plate mark.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)