Portrait of Sebastiano Fulli

Art Historical Context

Behold *Portrait of Sebastiano Full*, a delicate etching from 1634 created by Sebastiano Folli and Bernardinoelli. This intimate work, measuring just 6 1/4 × 4 1/8 inches on a trimmed sheet, captures the likeness of its male subject with fine precision, exemplifying the collaborative spirit of 17th Italian printmaking. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, it entered the collection through The Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1965. Etching, the medium here, allowed artists like Folli—a Sienese painter known for his detailed reproductive prints—and his associate Capitelli to incise intricate lines directly into a metal plate using acid, producing rich tonal effects ideal for portraits. In the Baroque era, such prints democratized portraiture, making elite likenesses accessible beyond oil paintings for collectors and scholars. This small-scale gem highlights the technical virtuosity of the period, where every etched line conveys character and status. Visitors will appreciate how this portrait bridges personal commemoration and artistic innovation, offering a window into 1630s Italy's vibrant graphic arts scene. A testament to enduring craftsmanship, it invites close inspection to uncover the subtle textures of Folli and Capitelli's shared vision.

About the Artist

Sebastiano Folli|Bernardino Capitelli (Italian|Italian) · 1569 |1590 –1621 |1639

Italian, Siena 1569–1621 Siena|Italian, Siena, 1590–1639