Portret van kardinaal Annibale Albani 1711 - 1762

Girolamo Rossi created this print of Cardinal Annibale Albani using engraving techniques. The portrait, encased in an oval frame, is striking for its emphasis on form and structure. Notice how Rossi uses linear precision to define the Cardinal's features and attire. The texture, achieved through fine, deliberate lines, gives depth to the face and fabric, creating a tactile quality. This meticulous detailing reflects the values of the period, prioritizing clarity and order. Rossi’s work invites us to explore the semiotics of portraiture. The Cardinal's vestments and the symbolic emblems above convey status, power, and affiliation. The carefully constructed composition serves not just as a likeness, but also as a signifier of the Cardinal's role within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Consider how Rossi's engraving operates within a broader cultural context, using form to communicate ideas about authority and identity. By examining the details of line and texture, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values embedded in this historical representation.