Artwork

Paolo Giordano Orsini II

Paolo Giordano Orsini II, by Ottavio Leoni, ink, 1604
Paolo Giordano Orsini II, by Ottavio Leoni, ink, 1604

Paolo Giordano Orsini II is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Ottavio Leoni. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1604 engraving by Ottavio Leoni portrays Paolo Giordano Orsini II in a formal portrait, exemplifying the early-Baroque style prevalent in 17th-century Rome.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Orsini in armor, holding a baton, conveying authority through his serious expression and detailed, ornate attire, highlighting his military or noble status.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp, dark lines, the work showcases Leoni's mastery of engraving. The technique involved carving images into metal plates, from which multiple prints could be produced, a notable aspect of the medium's appeal during this period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1604 by Ottavio Leoni, an Italian painter and printmaker active in Rome, the engraving's provenance details are not specified here, though its creation aligns with the early-Baroque movement in Rome.

Context

Part of a broader early-Baroque artistic trend in Rome, this engraving reflects the period's emphasis on detailed, expressive portraits, often of nobility or figures of authority.

Legacy

As a work by Leoni, it contributes to the body of early-Baroque prints, though its specific impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not detailed in the provided information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ottavio Leoni

Artist

Ottavio Leoni

Ottavio Leoni (1578 – 4 September 1630) was an Italian painter and printmaker of the early-Baroque, active mainly in Rome.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.