Head of young man wearing hat in profile to right
Original title: Head of young man wearing hat in profile to right
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar's 1648 etching presents the profile of a young man wearing a hat. This print, the only state of the etching, measures 6.6 × 4.6 cm.
Description
A young man appears in side profile, his head tilted slightly to the right, his gaze directed toward the right edge of the image. A broad, gently undulating hat sits on his head, and his short hair is carefully drawn. A jacket with a high collar and a neckcloth are visible. The image remains in black and white, using fine lines to work out shadows and textures. At the top edge are the initials, the year 1648, and the signature “W. Hollar fecit.”
Context
The Bohemian printmaker Wenceslaus Hollar is known above all for his etchings. This sheet was made in 1648, when Hollar was working in England. Presumably this small study served as a model or as an independent portrait. The fact that the etching survives in only a single state suggests a limited edition.
Impact
The detailed linework gives the portrait a calm and precise air. The small format and clear profile view make the sheet feel intimate and almost private. The neutral facial expression and carefully rendered textures invite close looking.
Technique
The etching is an intaglio process: the drawing is scratched into an etching ground and then bitten with acid. Hollar used fine lines to model shadows and details. The sheet measures 6.6 × 4.6 cm and has been trimmed, with the lower corners rounded—a sign of careful handling.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)