Portret van Antonio Grimani 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving of Antonio Grimani by an anonymous artist. It's a small portrait, measuring only 108 by 87 mm. Grimani was a Doge of Venice during a tumultuous time in the early 16th century, marked by wars and shifting alliances. The artist, while unknown, likely operated within the cultural and political milieu of Venice, a city-state known for its artistic patronage and complex social hierarchy. We can tell Grimani was wealthy due to his garments and his jewelry. The choice to depict Grimani in this formal manner speaks to the conventions of power and representation at the time, yet the intimate scale of the engraving suggests a desire for a more personal connection. It serves as both a historical record and a reflection on the nature of leadership and legacy in a time of great change.