Portret van Gian Battista Sommariva 1815 - 1817

Jacques Noël Marie Frémy created this print of Gian Battista Sommariva using etching and engraving techniques. Frémy was working during a period of significant social change in France, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception of powerful figures. As we look at Sommariva, we are invited to consider how Frémy has chosen to represent him. This print does not focus on the power Sommariva held as a politician and patron of the arts. Instead, the work provides a more intimate view, emphasizing his character. Notice the curls of his hair and the soft lines that define his face; the artist is humanizing him. The success of prints like this depended on their ability to connect with a broad audience, inviting viewers to engage with the figure on a personal level. They offer a window into the negotiation between public image and individual identity.