Portret van Titiaan 1786 - 1808

This is Antoine Louis Romanet’s engraving of Titian, made sometime before 1810. The image presents Titian as the archetypal, old master, ennobled by the trappings of wealth and status. It reflects a key shift in how artists were viewed, moving away from mere artisans towards celebrated figures. Engravings such as this played a crucial role in shaping artistic reputations and establishing a canon of great artists, influencing artistic training, patronage, and the development of art history as a discipline. Made in France, this print reflects the rise of Neoclassicism and the emphasis on the study of classical and Renaissance art. The image is part of a broader cultural movement that sought to define and celebrate national artistic identities. To gain a fuller appreciation of Romanet's work, investigate collections of old master prints, explore the history of art academies, and delve into treatises on art theory. By situating the image in its cultural and institutional context, we can better understand its significance in the history of art.