Portret van Girolamo Savonarola 1597 - 1599

Robert Boissard created this portrait of Girolamo Savonarola using engraving, sometime between 1586 and 1691. Immediately, the crisp lines and stark contrast evoke a sense of austere intensity, drawing you into the subject’s solemn gaze. Framed within an oval, the composition emphasizes Savonarola’s profile, a study in moral rectitude. The meticulous engraving captures the texture of his monastic robes, yet it’s the rigid lines defining his features that command attention. This is not just a portrait, but an icon, meticulously constructed to convey a message of unyielding conviction. The surrounding botanical motifs and inscriptions serve as semiotic markers, enhancing the symbolic weight of the image. The bee, a symbol of diligence and industry, frames the portrait, suggesting Savonarola's tireless efforts. This engraving isn’t merely representational, but rather an intricate construction designed to communicate ideas about power, piety, and the role of the individual within a complex socio-political landscape.