Preparatory drawing for Self-portrait on an Easel in a Workshop 

This is a preparatory drawing for "Self-portrait on an Easel in a Workshop" by Annibale Carracci, an Italian artist working around the turn of the 17th century. During this time, the idea of the artist as a creative genius was solidifying, and self-portraits became a way for artists to assert their intellectual and social status. Carracci offers us a glimpse into his studio, complete with easels, other portraits, and even a cat lounging in the foreground. It is as though we are invited into the intimate space of artistic creation. What does it mean for Carracci, a man working within the confines of a highly structured society, to present himself in this way? Is he pushing back against the traditional representations of artists? Does the sketch give us access to a more personal and authentic depiction of the artist? This work acknowledges the labor and environment that shape the artist’s identity. It is an intriguing reflection on self-perception and artistic identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.