Artwork

Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din

Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din, by Agostino dei Musi, ink, 1535
Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din, by Agostino dei Musi, ink, 1535

Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Agostino dei Musi. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The engraving 'Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din' is a 16th-century print created by Agostino Veneziano, a prominent Italian engraver. It is a portrait of Khair-ed-Din, a notable Ottoman naval commander.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts Khair-ed-Din, known as Barbarossa, with a serious expression and detailed attire, highlighting his status as a significant figure in Mediterranean naval conflicts.

Technique & Style

The engraving features intricate lines and shading that create texture and depth, characteristic of 16th-century printmaking techniques. The use of a plain background emphasizes the subject.

History & Provenance

Created in 1535, 'Barbarossa, Khair-ed-Din' is a product of the early Renaissance period, reflecting the artistic and cultural exchange between Italy and the Ottoman Empire.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Agostino dei Musi

Artist

Agostino dei Musi

Agostino Veneziano ("Venetian Agostino"), whose real name was Agostino de' Musi (c. 1490 – c. 1540), was an important and prolific Italian engraver of the Renaissance.

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