Pietro Aretino 1640

Wenceslaus Hollar's etching, "Pietro Aretino," depicts the Italian poet and playwright, Pietro Aretino, wearing a cap and robe. The image emphasizes Aretino's face, emphasizing his facial features, beard, and penetrating gaze. Aretino is known for his satirical writing and controversial nature, and Hollar's etching captures the intensity of his personality, making it an evocative example of Baroque portraiture. The etching, created in 1640, was part of a larger series of portraits by Hollar, showcasing his skill in capturing likeness and detail through the medium of etching.