Annibale Carracci (?) c. 17th century

Curator: Veronica Fontana is credited with this engraving. It’s called "Annibale Carracci (?)", part of the Harvard Art Museums collections. Editor: I find myself drawn to the man's serious gaze, framed by the swirling lines behind him. It’s like he is trapped, or perhaps emerging from an abyss. Curator: The portrait-in-an-oval motif was quite common at the time. Here, I think it speaks to a desire to contain and present an individual as a symbol or an idea. Editor: Symbols often conceal as much as they reveal. His slightly askew collar, the faint smile—there is a hint of inner rebellion despite the constraints. What do you think? Curator: Yes, the unbuttoned collar, especially, is a nice touch, isn’t it? And the light, hatching marks gives him a sense of being alive, now. Editor: Indeed. This wasn't just about immortalizing someone, but about capturing their essence.