Lady Ratcliffe 1 - 1793

Francesco Bartolozzi made this print titled Lady Ratcliffe, using etching and engraving. Bartolozzi, working in late 18th century London, was an Italian printmaker known for popularizing the stipple technique. During this period, there was a growing interest in historical subjects and portraiture. Bartolozzi's print reflects this trend, referencing earlier Renaissance styles of dress. Consider the woman's attire: the elaborate headwear and modest clothing. This draws attention to how fashion can construct identity, signaling social status. Bartolozzi’s choice to depict Lady Ratcliffe in a somewhat flattened, linear style, echoes earlier portraiture conventions. It almost gives her a timeless, statuesque quality. Think about the gaze she directs outward. It suggests a sense of dignity and composure. The print invites us to contemplate the role of women in history, while underscoring the importance of representation in shaping our understanding of the past.