Alfonso Miliotty 1784

James Tassie created this glass paste portrait of Alfonso Miliotty sometime in the late 18th century. Tassie was celebrated for his ability to replicate antique cameos and intaglios, appealing to the neoclassical tastes of the period. This portrait offers a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Miliotty's powdered wig, and refined features speak to the era's emphasis on elegance and status. But beyond mere representation, consider what it meant to immortalize someone in this way. Who had access to such commemoration, and what stories were left untold? Looking at this portrait, I am reminded that identities are constructed, curated, and, sometimes, carefully preserved. This piece invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in portraiture, and the ways in which art both reflects and shapes our understanding of history.