Fame 1540 - 1550

Domenico del Barbiere created this print called ‘Fame’ using etching, sometime between 1506 and 1565. Notice how the figure of Fame dominates the composition, her wings spread wide, she boldly strides forward. The lines here are delicate yet create a sense of volume and movement. Look closely at the figure. The hatching and cross-hatching define her form, giving depth to her drapery and musculature. Del Barbiere uses line to convey not just shape but also texture, from the softness of her garments to the sharp edges of her trumpet and banner. Consider how the figure, standing atop a globe surrounded by clouds, conveys a sense of triumph and reach. The artist invites us to consider the themes of glory and legacy, all communicated through the formal language of line and form. The print captures the dynamism and idealized forms characteristic of the Renaissance.