Portret van Baccio Bandinelli 1682

Edme de Boulonois created this print of Baccio Bandinelli, an Italian Renaissance sculptor, draftsman, and painter. Bandinelli's portrait offers insights into the cultural values and artistic practices of the Renaissance. His attire and the sculptures surrounding him speak to his identity as a learned artist, deeply embedded in classical traditions. The gaze is direct, suggesting his confidence. What interests me most is the tension between Bandinelli's ambition and the limited recognition he received during his lifetime. Despite his efforts to align himself with masters like Michelangelo, Bandinelli faced criticism and rivalry. This print, made after his death, immortalizes him as an artist but also hints at the complex dynamics of fame, legacy, and artistic ego. The artist seeks to control his narrative, to present himself in a way that defies criticism.