Portret van Giovanni Battista Casti 1797 - 1845

Pierre Joseph Tavernier created this portrait of Giovanni Battista Casti using etching and engraving techniques. The artwork reflects the cultural and intellectual milieu of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period marked by significant shifts in political and social structures. Casti, an Italian poet and diplomat, lived through the Enlightenment and the rise of revolutionary ideas. Tavernier’s rendering captures Casti’s aging features, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who navigated the complexities of his time through both artistic expression and political engagement. Note the intimate gaze and slightly worn expression; they suggest a life of contemplation and perhaps, a weariness with the world. The print serves as both a historical record and an intimate portrait. It invites us to consider the individuals who shaped the intellectual landscape during a period of immense transformation.