Portret van toneelschrijver Carlo Goldoni 1712 - 1786

Giovanni Marco Pitteri created this portrait of the playwright Carlo Goldoni using engraving techniques. Portraits of playwrights like Goldoni played a significant role in shaping cultural identity in 18th-century Venice. They acted as visual representations of intellectual and artistic achievement, which in turn helped to promote a sense of national pride and cultural sophistication. The presence of institutions such as theaters and literary academies, provided fertile ground for artistic expression and public engagement. The portrait presents Goldoni as a figure of refinement, his powdered wig and elegant attire, and it reflects the values of the Venetian elite. But we should remember that Goldoni’s comedies often challenged the social norms of the time. He critiqued the aristocracy while celebrating the virtues of the working class. Understanding this artwork demands that we investigate the complex interplay between art, society, and culture in 18th-century Venice. By consulting archives and historical documents, we can gain insights into the social conditions that shaped artistic production. This allows us to appreciate the contingent nature of art as a reflection of its time.