Portret van Giorgione als David met het hoofd van Goliath 1682

Nicolas de Larmessin’s engraving portrays the Renaissance painter Giorgione as David, holding the head of Goliath. Made in the 17th century, the print reflects a sustained interest in the Renaissance, but it also participates in the early modern construction of artistic identity. Consider how Larmessin positions Giorgione, not just as an artist, but as a heroic figure. This depiction taps into the myth of the artist as a divinely inspired genius, a concept gaining traction during this period. Furthermore, by casting Giorgione as David, Larmessin elevates the artist to the status of a cultural hero, battling against the philistines of ignorance and bad taste. The act of portraying an artist in a biblical or classical guise was not merely about paying homage; it was about shaping the narrative around artistic creation and cultural value. It invites us to consider the power dynamics at play in the art world, where artists and their patrons negotiated questions of status, power, and legacy. It shapes our understanding of artistic identity and its cultural significance.