Portret van Barbara del Carretto di Balestrino 1820s

Santo Panario rendered this portrait of Barbara del Carretto di Balestrino sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this period, portraiture served as a powerful tool for constructing and communicating social status, particularly for women in aristocratic circles. The print offers insight into the conventions of femininity and nobility of the time. The figure of Barbara is depicted with a composed and dignified posture, framed by an oval, which contributes to the idealization of her image. Consider how Panario balanced the expectations of portraiture with his artistic expression. The elaborate script beneath the portrait adds to the overall sense of refinement, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between text and image in shaping our understanding of identity. This work acts as both a personal tribute and a public declaration of lineage, offering a glimpse into the world of Italian aristocracy.