Portret van Alessandro Massaria 1630

Jerôme David created this print of Alessandro Massaria, a philosopher, using etching techniques. David was active in Antwerp, where the social hierarchy was visibly pronounced. In the portrait, Massaria's fur-collared robe signifies wealth and status, indicating a clear distinction between the intellectual elite and the working class. The Latin inscription beneath the image emphasizes Massaria’s scholarly achievements, a privilege often reserved for men of a certain class. The artist's choice to depict Massaria in such a formal manner aligns with the conventions of the time, where portraiture served to reinforce social standing and project an image of authority. Consider how such representations normalize and perpetuate inequalities, influencing not only how individuals are seen but also how they perceive themselves. What does it mean to be seen, and who has the power to define that image?