Studi di Pittura già dissegnati da Giambatista Piazzetta ed ora con l'intaglio di Marco Pitteri 1760 - 1764

Editor: So, this is "Studi di Pittura già disegnati da Giambatista Piazzetta ed ora con l'intaglio di Marco Pitteri," made between 1760 and 1764 by Marco Alvise Pitteri. It's an engraving, a print with two portraits in that baroque style. There's something very still and serious about it. What stands out to you most when you look at this work? Curator: You know, my eye is drawn to the contrast. The serene almost melancholic stillness in the woman's face paired with the man’s, almost confrontational gaze is remarkable. I wonder what narrative is suggested here. Do you think it hints at the dynamic of a painting or is it more an exploration into varied studies in light and emotion? It is interesting how an engraver like Pitteri would use his skills to reproduce paintings for a larger audience. It almost anticipates mechanical reproduction but is still very handmade, very baroque in its swirls. It shows how painting and history becomes public knowledge. Editor: That's a great point, it definitely seems like a study in contrasts, now that you mention it. I didn’t consider it in terms of how artwork was distributed and known in the world. Did Pitteri engrave paintings by other artists? Curator: All the time! This artwork suggests so many dualities – the serious and the challenging, male and female, original art versus its dissemination. The original painting and this version here. All for study, perhaps even debate. Editor: Absolutely, that definitely deepens my understanding and adds another layer to how I see this print. Thanks for that! Curator: Anytime. There is always something lurking to be found if you dig deep.