Portret van filosoof Antonio Rocco 1640 - 1647

This engraving of Antonio Rocco was made by Giacomo Piccini, likely in Venice around 1649. The image is achieved through a laborious process of carving lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The very nature of the medium, with its dependence on linear precision, lends a certain formality to the portrait. You can see how the careful hatching defines the contours of Rocco's face and clothing. This technique, requiring a mastery of tools and pressure, was a skilled tradition. Consider, too, the social context: Printmaking, while a craft, was also a means of disseminating knowledge and status. This portrait, with its inscription of Rocco's titles, speaks to a desire to immortalize and broadcast his intellectual achievements. Ultimately, understanding the 'how' of this artwork allows us to appreciate not just the image, but also the labor, skill, and social ambitions embedded within its very creation.