Figure fatte da cinque punti obbligati c. 1796

Carlo Labruzzi made this print, called "Figure fatte da cinque punti obbligati", in Italy during the late 18th or early 19th century. Its sepia tones evoke classical antiquity, but the image is not as straightforward as it might seem. We see a draped figure seated in a landscape, holding a heraldic shield. The inscription names her as the Countess of O***borough, an aristocratic patron perhaps. Labruzzi was known for his landscapes, and this print reflects the period's fascination with both classical forms and the contemporary social hierarchy. Italian artists often relied on wealthy patrons for support, and portraiture was a key way to solidify those relationships. But the print’s title hints at a playful subversion of this system. It translates to "Figures made from five obligatory points." Was Labruzzi satirizing the conventions of portraiture or the rigid social roles of his time? Understanding this image requires delving into the patronage system of the period. Archival research into Labruzzi’s commissions and the social circles of his patrons might reveal the true intent behind this intriguing work.