Portrait of Count Giacomo Durazzo 1784

This print of Count Giacomo Durazzo was created by Giovanni David, who lived from 1749 to 1790. Look closely, and you’ll see it’s made using etching, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. Etching allowed for detailed, reproducible images, essential in the 18th century. Think about the labor involved: from the engraver’s skill in rendering fine lines to the press operator’s careful application of ink and pressure. This wasn't just art; it was a form of early industrial production. The print's visual language speaks of status and intellect. Durazzo is framed by symbols of artistry and knowledge - a painter's palette, books, and writing implements. The etching medium itself, with its capacity for nuanced detail, elevates the subject. It suggests the Count is a man of refinement, a patron of the arts, and part of a network of power and influence that extended across Europe. The story of this artwork is not just about the sitter, but also the means of production, which speaks to the social fabric of its time.