Portret van historicus Scipione Maffei 1818 - 1848

This is Jacopo Bernardi's portrait of historian Scipione Maffei, likely created sometime in the 19th century, using engraving techniques to render a detailed likeness. The composition is formally structured around the oval frame that contains Maffei’s bust, immediately drawing our attention to his face. Bernardi masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to model Maffei's features, creating a play of light and shadow that gives volume and depth to the figure. The texture of the engraving is evident in the fine lines that define the contours of Maffei’s wig and clothing, adding a tactile quality to the image. Below the portrait, the inclusion of heraldic symbols and ornate script introduces a semiotic layer, signaling Maffei’s status and intellectual contributions. The careful arrangement of these elements within the frame reflects a broader cultural interest in capturing and codifying individual identity through visual means. This portrait not only commemorates Maffei but also engages with historical discourses around representation, knowledge, and power.