Portrait of a Man 22 - 1799

This is Francesco Bartolozzi’s “Portrait of a Man,” rendered in ink on laid paper. The texture of the paper, though subtle, is crucial. Look closely and you'll notice the fine lines running through it. This laid paper wasn’t made by machine, but by hand, using a mold and deckle. The parallel lines are the impression of the wires used in the paper-making screen. Back in Bartolozzi’s time, this would have been the standard material for drawing. Today, it gives the portrait a direct connection to the skilled labor that went into its creation. Bartolozzi’s printmaking was similarly crafted. Note the precision in the etched lines, built up to describe the man’s features, clothing, and beard. These details add richness and depth to the portrait, while hinting at the social status of both sitter and artist. Paying attention to materials and making helps us to appreciate this work as both a portrait and a product of its time.