Bust of Elderly Man with Nose That Meets His Lower Lip, Wearing Wide Flat Cap in Profile to Left
Original title: Bust of elderly man with nose that meets his lower lip, wearing wide flat cap in profile to left
kurzbeschreibung
In 1665 Wenceslaus Hollar etched the profile of an elderly gentleman whose nose reaches unusually far down. The print measures about 6.7 × 4.8 cm and survives as a single impression; it belongs among Hollar's studies after Leonardo da Vinci.
Description
An old man is shown in strict left profile. A broad, flat cap sits on his head, slipped slightly back; beneath it he wears a plain jacket with a collar. The bridge of the nose runs remarkably straight and extends almost to the lower lip. The eyes are nearly closed, giving a pensive expression. At upper right appears the inscription 'Leonardo da Vinci inv. W Collar fec. 1665'.
Context
Hollar based the print on a sheet he attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. He made the etching in 1665 in London, where he was then working and devoting himself intensively to reproducing earlier masters. Small studies like this formed part of his extensive output of prints and were often prized as collectibles.
Impact
The linework is careful and records the facial features precisely. The peculiar shape of the nose lends the portrait something grotesque without tipping into the comic. The sparse arrangement brings the sitter's physiognomy to the fore.
Technique
The image was executed as an etching that exists in only one state. The plate measures 6.6 × 4.7 cm, the paper slightly larger. Hollar used drypoint and etching to work out fine hatching and contours that model the forms of the face.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)