Portret van schilder Raphael 1510 - 1575

This etching, “Portret van schilder Raphael,” whose maker is currently unknown, lives in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. It’s a copy, an etching of a painting of Raphael. In the Western world, the Renaissance cemented the idea of the artist as a genius, usually male. This image participates in that legacy, portraying Raphael as a divinely inspired figure. We see the artist kneeling, draped in cloth. His gaze is intense. He’s set against a stark background. The focus on Raphael elevates him, yet his downcast posture suggests a humbleness and devotion to his craft. In the history of art, images of men who make art become a way to emphasize the idea of artistic genius. This etching isn't just a portrait; it's a statement about the revered status of artists in society. It invites us to consider how these historical portrayals continue to influence our understanding of creativity, genius, and the role of the artist.