Head of a bald, sinewy man looking downwards
Original title: Head of a bald, sinewy man looking downwards
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar made this etching in 1648: a bald, sinewy man's head in profile, looking downward. The print, in its only state, measures 6.7 × 4.4 cm.
Description
The crop brings the man's head and upper neck close. The drawn structure clearly brings out the musculature and sinewy quality; the facial expression seems thoughtful and slightly melancholy. A spare background directs attention entirely to the head. At upper right is text that probably names the artist and the year 1648.
Context
Hollar, a Bohemian printmaker, is known above all for his etchings. This sheet was made in 1648, when he was working in England. It may have served as a study for a larger composition or as an independent portrait of an unknown person.
Impact
The dense, fine linework renders facial features and musculature precisely. The downward gaze and melancholy expression give the portrait an introspective, contemplative mood.
Technique
In etching, lines are bitten into a copper plate. The intaglio process, with its fine strokes, allows high detail. The sheet was trimmed by about 1 mm at the top and bottom edges.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)