Piero di Bartolommeo Riccio Baldi - Gaetano Vascellini

A refined eighteenth-century portrait engraving by Gaetano Vascellini, depicting the scholar Piero di Bartolommeo Riccio Baldi with historical biographical text.

This portrait engraving by Gaetano Vascellini depicts the scholar Piero di Bartolommeo Riccio Baldi, also known as Pierio Valeriano. Vascellini, a Florentine engraver active during the late eighteenth century, produced this work as part of a series documenting figures from the Real Galleria di Firenze. The print captures the subject in a three-quarter view, his gaze directed slightly upward with an expression of contemplation. His attire is simple, consisting of a buttoned doublet, which focuses the viewer's attention on his facial features and the soft, naturalistic rendering of his hair. The technique employed is characteristic of the period, utilising fine cross-hatching to create depth and shadow across the figure. The background remains relatively plain, allowing the subject to emerge from the surface of the paper. Below the portrait, an inscription provides biographical details about the sitter, noting his association with Poliziano and his academic contributions. A small heraldic shield is positioned centrally within the text block, adding a decorative element that balances the composition. Vascellini was known for his ability to translate painted portraits into the medium of print, maintaining the likeness and character of the original subjects. This work reflects the scholarly interest in historical figures that defined the intellectual climate of eighteenth-century Italy. The clarity of the line work and the balanced proportions demonstrate the technical precision expected of a professional engraver of the era. This print offers a glimpse into the archival practices of the time, where the reproduction of portraits served both as a record of the collection and as a means of disseminating the images of historical scholars to a wider audience. The print is presented with its original text, preserving the historical context intended by the artist.