Portret van prentmaker Giovanni Marco Pitteri 1712 - 1786

Giovanni Marco Pitteri created this portrait of himself, using engraving. Printmaking in the 18th century was part of a broader European movement towards enlightenment ideals. The image speaks to the growing sense of self-awareness and the importance of the individual. The act of creating a self-portrait during this era reflects the shifting social values and the rise of individualism, especially among artists. Pitteri presents himself in a manner that elevates his status. His gaze seems to engage directly with the viewer, conveying a sense of self-assuredness. Yet, this self-representation must also be understood within the power dynamics of the time. Printmaking was a male-dominated profession, yet Pitteri's focus on portraiture, particularly self-portraiture, provided him with a medium for expression. In doing so, this engraver asks us to consider whose stories are told and how these stories shape our understanding of the world.