The Genius of Salvator Rosa 1657 - 1667

"The Genius of Salvator Rosa" is an etching made by the artist Salvator Rosa, who lived in Italy in the 17th century. Rosa was known for his rebellious spirit and this work reflects his self-fashioned image as an unconventional artist. At the time, the concept of the "genius" was intertwined with masculine identity, linking creativity with intellect. This print embodies this ideal, presenting Rosa as a figure surrounded by symbols of artistic inspiration. What is so interesting is that while he presents himself as the genius, he is also surrounded by female figures who are presented as muses, essential to his creativity yet denied the same status of "genius." Consider how Rosa navigates the power dynamics of his time, asserting his artistic prowess while relying on traditional representations of women as sources of inspiration. This artwork is not just a demonstration of artistic skill, but a reflection on the societal roles and expectations of artists and gender in 17th century Italy.