Raffaelo Menicucci 1625

Ottavio Leoni’s etching from 1625, titled *Raffaelo Menicucci*, presents us with a study in contrasts, primarily achieved through the stark use of line. The subject's face, framed by a wide-brimmed hat, draws the viewer in with its detailed rendering. Leoni uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and shadow, articulating the planes of Menicucci's face and the folds of his garments. This technique serves not only to define form but also to convey texture, from the smooth skin to the rougher fabric of the clothing. The hat casts a shadow, partially obscuring the face and adding drama. Consider how the lines work both representationally and structurally, building up the image from a network of marks on the page. Meaning is constructed not just through what is depicted but how it is depicted, inviting us to examine the very act of seeing and representing.