Artwork
Baccio Bandinelli
Baccio Bandinelli is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Nicolò della Casa. It dates from 1544 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This mid‑16th‑century copper engraving, dated around 1544, presents a portrait of the sculptor Baccio Bandinelli. Executed by the printmaker Nicolò della Casa, the image captures the artist seated, his beard and curled hair framing a thoughtful expression, while he holds a small figurine in his left hand.
Subject & Meaning
Bandinelli is shown in a contemplative pose, his right arm resting on his thigh and his left hand supporting a miniature sculpture of a male figure. The inclusion of the tiny model suggests a focus on the creative process, emphasizing the sculptor’s engagement with his work and the intellectual labor of artistic invention.
Technique & Style
The engraving employs fine hatching and cross‑hatching to render texture, from the soft folds of the robe to the intricate details of the background architecture. Della Casa’s handling of line creates a clear spatial depth, while the crisp rendering of the window and three distant statues situates the portrait within a studio‑like setting typical of Renaissance print portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in the early Renaissance period, the print bears della Casa’s signature in the lower right margin, confirming his authorship. The work circulated among collectors of the time as a visual record of Bandinelli’s stature as a leading sculptor, and it has since been documented in several European print collections.
Artist & collection
