Young man with ruff 

Ludovico Carracci made this drawing of a young man with ruff at an unknown date in Italy. Carracci was a leading figure in the Bolognese School of painting, emerging in the late 16th century. The young man depicted here is captured with a remarkable level of detail, from his curly hair to the intricate folds of his ruff. The ruff, a symbol of status and fashion during the Renaissance, situates the sitter within a specific social milieu. Yet, the sitter's gaze seems to challenge the viewer. Carracci’s choice of subject and his attention to detail reflect the cultural values of his time, where the portrayal of individuals often served to convey messages about identity, social status, and personal virtue. But look at the intensity and uncertainty in the youth's eyes. Is this how he sees himself? How does his own gaze challenge the viewer's perception of the Renaissance era? Ultimately, this drawing invites us to look closer at the people and the stories that often go unnoticed.