Artwork
Portrait of Bindo Altoviti
Portrait of Bindo Altoviti is a print by Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The artist used fine lines to show light and shadow, giving the face a three-dimensional look.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a bearded man in a dark robe. He’s holding a small box in one hand, looking straight ahead with a serious expression. The background is plain, focusing all attention on his face and hands.
The name at the bottom reads *Ritratto de Bindo Altoviti*, and the print was made in 1644. The artist used fine lines to show light and shadow, giving the face a three-dimensional look.
Look up Hollar, Wenceslaus to see more of his detailed prints.
Overview
Portrait of Bindo Altoviti is a 1644 black-and-white print on paper by Wenceslaus Hollar, based on a work by Titian. The image depicts a bearded man in a dark robe holding a small box, set against a plain background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Bindo Altoviti, is portrayed with a serious expression, his face and hands the focal points. The small box he holds may symbolize his wealth or status, though its specific significance is not explicitly defined in the print.
Technique & Style
Hollar employed fine lines to achieve a nuanced representation of light and shadow, imparting a three-dimensional quality to the subject's face. This technique is characteristic of Hollar's detailed printmaking style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1644, the print is inscribed 'Ritratto de Bindo Altoviti' at the bottom. Its provenance is not detailed here, but it is known to be based on an original by Titian.
Context
This work reflects the 17th-century practice of engravers like Hollar interpreting and disseminating paintings by renowned artists such as Titian, making their work more accessible.
Legacy
As part of Hollar's oeuvre, 'Portrait of Bindo Altoviti' contributes to the artist's reputation for meticulous and expressive prints, though its individual impact within Hollar's body of work is not specifically highlighted.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
