Sketched Caricature of a Standing Man Facing Left 1674 - 1755

Pier Leone Ghezzi created this ink drawing, "Sketched Caricature of a Standing Man Facing Left," sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Ghezzi was known for his biting caricatures of Roman society. Here, the exaggerated features – the elongated nose and jutting chin – poke fun at the man’s social standing, and perhaps even his intelligence. These weren't savage personal attacks, but rather humorous observations on the vanity and self-importance of the Roman elite. The drawing provides us with a valuable glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. What makes Ghezzi's work especially interesting is his position within the art world. As a painter regularly employed by the Roman Catholic Church, Ghezzi was very much a part of the establishment that he was satirizing. To fully appreciate this drawing, we can delve into archival sources like letters and diaries, to learn more about the specific social circles Ghezzi inhabited and the individuals who might have been the subjects of his sharp wit.