Portret van Masaniello 1755

This engraving by Michel Aubert, created in 1755, depicts the Neapolitan revolutionary Tommaso Aniello, also known as Masaniello, in profile. The artwork, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, is an example of an 18th-century print, showcasing a historical figure in a simple, elegant design. Aniello's stern expression and simple attire accentuate the gravitas of his rebellion against Spanish rule in Naples. This portrait, though small, captures a pivotal moment in Italian history, highlighting the power of artistic representation in documenting significant events.