Portret van Ermolao Barbaro 1549 - 1577

This is an undated portrait of Ermolao Barbaro, made with engraving by an anonymous artist. The composition is strikingly linear. Observe how the detailed network of fine lines constructs a formal likeness of the sitter and defines the structure of his face, clothing and hair. The linear framework within the ornamental border gives a sense of depth, and texture to the fabric and hair. This aesthetic approach destabilizes traditional portraiture by reducing form to its most basic, geometric components. The use of lines and shading gives the figure volume, while also flattening it. This flatness is a challenge to traditional methods of pictorial representation, engaging with poststructuralist ideas about destabilizing established visual meanings. The focus is less on the sitter's personality and more on the abstract qualities inherent in the portrait's construction. Notice how the lines create a formal quality that underscores the cultural and philosophical concerns about representation and identity in the Renaissance. As a symbol, the portrait's interpretation continues to change with time.