Portrait of an old man with a beard
Original title: Portrait of an old man with a beard
kurzbeschreibung
An older man with a full beard and long hair appears in profile, his expression thoughtful, captured in this engraving by Carl Gottlieb Rasp. The print dates from between 1767 and 1807. Fine lines and hatching model the face, giving it depth and contour.
Description
His head turned slightly to the left, hair swept back, the bearded man gazes into the distance with a pensive look. A dark garment is only faintly indicated. The plain, dark background makes the face stand out. The arrangement is centered, and light from the front emphasizes the contours and texture of the skin. Gray tones and even lines and hatching define the engraving.
Context
At the bottom edge, a signature names Peter Paul Rubens as the painter of the original, while Carl Gottlieb Rasp executed the engraving. The inscription 'Ex Collectione C. L. ab Hagedorn' indicates that the print came from the collection of Carl Ludwig von Hagedorn, a renowned 18th-century art collector. Rasp worked as a copper engraver in Germany, producing reproductions after important paintings of his time.
Impact
The precise linework and strong contrast between light and shadow give the portrait an immediate expressive power. The pensive gaze creates a calm, introspective mood that draws the viewer in.
Technique
Fine, even lines and hatching characterize this copper engraving. The technique allows for a detailed rendering of facial features and hair structure. The trimmed sheet measures 19.3 × 13.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)