Fotoreproductie van een tekening naar een fresco met een portret van Girolamo Savonarola door Fra Bartolommeo before 1863

This photogravure by Giacomo Brogi captures a drawing after a fresco portrait of Girolamo Savonarola by Fra Bartolommeo. The solemnity of the image stems from its restricted palette of muted browns and creams, focusing our attention on form and line. The composition emphasizes Savonarola’s profile, sharply delineating his features against a neutral background. The cowl frames his face, creating a contrast between the soft, shadowed interior and the precise contours of his nose and mouth. This contrast draws us into his contemplative presence. Here, form is not just aesthetic but also ideological, portraying Savonarola with a stark simplicity that underscores his spiritual austerity and moral authority. The photogravure, therefore, serves not merely as a reproduction but as a focused interpretation, highlighting the aesthetic and philosophical currents of its time.