Portret van schilder Alessandro dalla Nave c. 1750 - 1850

S. Castellari created this portrait of the painter Alessandro dalla Nave. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique that allows for the reproduction and distribution of images, which democratized art and portraiture. Here, we see Dalla Nave depicted within a traditional, almost academic style. The soft shading and circular frame, provide a sense of formality. The fur-lined coat, might suggest status, or perhaps a need for warmth. Without more information about either artist we can only speculate about their relationship to one another, and to the Accademia Clementina, which is mentioned at the bottom of the image. But portraiture is always an act of interpretation, a collaboration between sitter and artist. This image represents the way Dalla Nave wanted to be seen, and the way Castellari chose to represent him. As such, it offers a glimpse into the social and artistic values of their time.