A young man caressing an old woman
Original title: A young man caressing an old woman
kurzbeschreibung
Made in 1646, this etching by Wenceslaus Hollar shows a young man gently touching an old woman. The two figures sit at a table holding everyday objects. Only a single state of the print exists.
Description
On the left sits a young man with curly hair and a head covering, turning toward an old woman on the right. She too wears a head covering, and her hair is short and tied back. Both are seated at a table on which lie a thread and a coin-like object. The layout feels balanced, with light and shadow built up through finely placed lines. Faces and surfaces are worked out with great care.
Context
Hollar made the sheet in Antwerp in 1646, where he worked for various publishers. The theme of the mismatched couple was widespread in seventeenth-century Dutch art and often carried moral or satirical intent. Born in Prague, Hollar was known for his detailed prints and worked for collectors including Thomas Howard, among others.
Impact
The print gives off an intimate yet puzzling mood, since the relationship between the two figures stays open. Precise linework creates a calm, almost tender atmosphere that the symmetrical arrangement supports.
Technique
The work is executed as an etching, in a single state only. The lines sit densely and precisely to bring out shadows and textures. The paper was trimmed along the plate edge, which suggests careful presentation.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)