Portret van dichter Pietro Aretino 1515 - 1565

This is Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio’s engraving "Portrait of the Poet Pietro Aretino," made sometime in the mid-16th century. Caraglio captures Aretino, the notorious satirist, in profile, framed by an inscription that boldly proclaims "Veritas odium parit," or "Truth breeds hatred." This wasn't just a motto; it was a way of life for Aretino. He weaponized his wit, unafraid to lampoon the powerful, from princes to popes. His words were his currency, and he wielded them with unmatched skill. Aretino lived in a time of immense social upheaval, with the rise of printing allowing for an unprecedented spread of ideas. He was a master of this new media landscape, understanding how to manipulate public opinion. As you gaze at his portrait, consider the tension between truth-telling and social alienation, and how Aretino navigated this treacherous territory. The portrait isn't just an image; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of power, truth, and representation.