Portret van Giovanni Battista Montano op 87-jarige leeftijd 1624

This is Jerôme David’s portrait of Giovanni Battista Montano at 87, made with engraving. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the world of 17th-century Rome, where Montano, originally from Milan, was known as a sculptor. The work is framed by symbols of Montano’s profession; instruments evoking the tradition of craftsmanship, but there is also the intimate depiction of aging. His gaze is knowing, perhaps weary, but undeniably present. The inscription, which translates to “He lived by virtue, his memory lives on, his glory lives”, offers a sense of the values which underpinned the society of the time. David's engraving not only immortalizes Montano but invites us to reflect on the intersection of skill, legacy, and the passage of time. How does society remember its artisans? And what does it mean to leave behind a lasting impact through one's craft?