Portret van Simone Stratico 1783 - 1840

Luigi Rados created this portrait of Simone Stratico using a technique called stipple engraving. Now, stipple engraving is all about tiny dots. Imagine an artist using a special tool to create thousands of little indentations on a metal plate. The deeper and closer together the dots, the darker the area appears when printed. It’s a painstaking process, demanding both precision and patience. The appeal of stipple engraving lies in its ability to render soft, subtle gradations of tone. See how Rados uses it to model Stratico’s face, capturing the texture of his curly hair and the folds of his clothing? The effect is almost painterly, a testament to the engraver's skill. In a world before photography, stipple engraving allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images and the circulation of portraits like this one. While we might see it as a ‘lesser’ art form today, it played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and celebrating individuals in its time. It reminds us that even the most seemingly humble techniques can have a profound cultural impact.