Portret van Alessandro Farnese, de latere paus Paulus III 1692 - 1762

This is Girolamo Rossi’s portrait of Alessandro Farnese, later Pope Paul III, created sometime in the 18th century. The print presents a somber, framed depiction of Farnese, focusing on his dignified presence. Rossi’s technique employs a delicate balance of light and shadow, modeling Farnese’s face and attire. The composition is structured to draw the eye directly to the subject, with the detailed rendering of the face and vestments set against a subtly shaded background. The use of line in the intricate border, as well as the cross-hatching, adds depth and texture. The formal elements of this portrait—its composition, the use of light and shadow, and the careful articulation of texture—reflect broader artistic concerns with capturing both the likeness and the essence of the sitter. Notice how the framing not only contains the image, but also functions as a semiotic boundary, defining the space of representation. This artwork invites us to consider how portraits create meaning through both visual form and cultural context, engaging with enduring questions of identity and representation.