Portret van Bernardo Buontalenti 1752 - 1766

Antonio Pazzi made this print portraying Bernardo Buontalenti sometime in the 18th century. Pazzi, who lived from 1706 to 1768, was part of a generation of artists who looked back to the Renaissance for inspiration. Here, Buontalenti, the celebrated Florentine architect and artist of the 16th century, is depicted holding a compass, a symbol of his craft and ingenuity. What does it mean to represent an artist in this way? He is seen as a man of intellect, skill, and vision. It is important to remember that portrayals of artists were subject to social expectations and cultural ideals, and they often served to reinforce certain notions of genius and creativity. What is interesting about this print, is that it maintains a sense of tradition while simultaneously giving us an intimate glimpse into the human dimension of artistic creation. It shapes our understanding of the creative process, while also reflecting the societal values placed on artistry.