Portrait of Pope Paulus IV
1530–66
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
Sheet (trimmed): 13 13/16 × 8 9/16 in. (35.1 × 21.8 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
Accession Number
49.97.617
Tags
About this artwork
This engraving by Nicolas Beatrizet from 1530–66 represents the artistic and cultural achievements of its period. Printmaking during this era served multiple functions, providing affordable art for collectors, documenting contemporary life, and demonstrating technical virtuosity. The medium allowed wide distribution, making visual culture accessible beyond elite patronage. This example showcases period craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities, offering insights into historical artistic practice...