Portrait of Pietro Aretino 1512 - 1525

Marcantonio Raimondi's engraving "Portrait of Pietro Aretino," created between 1512 and 1525, depicts the Italian poet and writer in a close-up view. Aretino wears a lavish cap with a richly detailed design, highlighting his status and importance during the Italian Renaissance. The intricate detail of the engraving, particularly the rendering of Aretino’s beard and clothing, showcases Raimondi's mastery of the technique. The inscription at the bottom of the engraving provides context, revealing Aretino's reputation for his wit and talent. This work, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of 16th-century Italy.