Portret van beeldhouwer Francesco Maria Schiaffino 1674

Giuseppe Sforza Perini made this portrait of the sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino using etching and engraving. We see Schiaffino framed by symbols of classicism and the artist's tools. It is a proud depiction of a sculptor practicing in Italy, and it reflects the increasing prestige that sculptors were attaining at this time. Consider the institutional context: Academies of art were becoming more prominent, which gave artists more recognition and a venue for instruction, exhibition, and professional networking. Moreover, sculptors of the era contributed significantly to the beautification of cities and public spaces, frequently creating statues for churches, palaces, and public squares. The historian can turn to archival documents, letters, and academic records to further understand how art reflected social mobility. By studying the cultural and institutional context, we can appreciate the values and aspirations of the period, as well as the social standing of artists like Schiaffino.