Portrait of a Young Woman 15 - 1800

Francesco Bartolozzi created this print, Portrait of a Young Woman, using etching and engraving techniques. The subject, rendered in a monochrome palette, is framed by the crisp lines of the rectangular plate mark, emphasizing her presence. The visual elements converge to create a structured yet sensitive portrayal. Notice the composition of the woman’s attire, the ruff collar and simple hat draw the eye, focusing attention on her face. Bartolozzi uses linear precision to define her features, and a softer touch to delineate the fabrics, creating tonal variation. The hatching effect adds depth and dimension. The print functions not just as a portrait, but as a study in contrasts and forms. The artwork becomes a semiotic system, a collection of signs. Bartolozzi’s method invites us to reconsider how meaning is constructed.