Dimensions: Sheet (Trimmed): 4 3/4 × 4 5/8 in. (12 × 11.7 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This small engraving now at the Met, was made by Guido Reni after several artists of the Accademia Degl'Incamminati, to commemorate the death of Agostino Carracci. It's a fascinating artifact reflecting the artistic and social values of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, particularly the hierarchical structures within the art world. Each scene, rendered in delicate lines, presents an allegorical depiction of Carracci's death, engaging with classical mythology and themes of artistic legacy, yet within a very specific cultural context. Carracci, abducted by Mars due to jealousy over a painting of Adonis, speaks volumes about the perception of male artists and their relationships—a complex mix of rivalry, admiration, and the ever-present specter of patronage. The emotional weight of the print is palpable, a collective lament for a lost talent. The piece invites us to consider how artists' legacies are constructed and remembered, both through their work and the narratives spun around their lives.
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