Zelfportret van Giovanni Battista Piazzetta 1738

This is Giovanni Battista Piazzetta's self-portrait etching from 1738. The Venetian artist created it at a time when the Republic was in decline and its artistic traditions were evolving, and like many artists of his time, Piazzetta sought to capture the emotional and psychological depth of his subjects, including himself. In this self-portrait, Piazzetta presents himself with an almost theatrical flair, donning a feathered hat and fur-lined coat. This sartorial choice may reflect the fashion of the Venetian elite or perhaps an attempt to align himself with a certain artistic persona. His direct gaze invites us into a dialogue, even as his slightly furrowed brow suggests a sense of introspection. The lines etched into the copper plate not only define his physical features but also seem to map the contours of his inner world. Piazzetta’s self-representation embodies both confidence and vulnerability. It's a portrayal that seems to acknowledge the artist's place within a society grappling with change. It reminds us that self-portraits are never simply mirrors of reality but are also constructed narratives about who we are and how we wish to be seen.