Portret van kardinaal Fabio Olivieri 1715 - 1762

Girolamo Rossi created this print, Portrait of Cardinal Fabio Olivieri, in 1715. The composition presents us with an oval frame that neatly contains the Cardinal’s likeness, flanked by heraldic emblems. Rossi's technique, primarily line engraving, offers a rich yet restrained visual experience. The textures are rendered through meticulous line work, creating subtle shifts in tone and depth, particularly noticeable in the folds of the Cardinal's robes and the contours of his face. The oval frame not only isolates the subject but also serves as a stage, emphasizing the Cardinal’s presence and importance. The heraldic emblems add layers of meaning, acting as semiotic markers that reference the Cardinal's lineage and status within the Church. This image then functions as a cultural artifact, reflecting the intertwined dynamics of power, religion, and representation of the period.