Portret van Girolamo Savonarola 1549 - 1577

This small portrait of Girolamo Savonarola is rendered in a precise, linear style through engraving by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by the sharp profile of Savonarola, framed within a decorative border that combines classical motifs with geometric patterns. Observe how the dense cross-hatching defines the contours of his face and the folds of his monastic habit. The artist uses line to model form and texture, creating a tactile quality despite the work’s diminutive scale. The direction and density of the lines give volume to the figure, while also flattening the image, emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the print. The work invites us to consider the relationship between representation and the historical figure. Through its graphic simplicity and formal structure, this portrait captures the gravity and intellectual rigor attributed to Savonarola, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay of power, image, and belief in the Renaissance.