Curatorial notes
This is an engraving of Niccolò Perotti made by an anonymous artist. While the engraver is unknown, the artwork offers a glimpse into the Renaissance era and the cultural and intellectual context surrounding Perotti, who was an Italian humanist, scholar, and translator during the 15th century. The portrait reflects the Renaissance emphasis on individual achievement and the revival of classical learning. What does it mean to be remembered in this way? This image exists because Perotti was a man of letters, who served as a papal advisor. But here, he is stripped of those accomplishments. The viewer can only guess at his contributions to the world. Instead, we are presented with an image of a person, whose identity is at once known and unknown. As you consider the image of Perotti, think about the complex interplay between identity, representation, and historical context.
