Bust of elderly man with nose that meets his lower lip, wearing wide flat cap in profile to left 1665

This is a 1665 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, depicting an elderly man in profile. Hollar, a prolific and skilled printmaker, likely made this impression on paper using an etched copper plate. The etching process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating. The artist then scratches an image into the coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Look closely at the details Hollar was able to achieve with this method. The cross-hatching gives a sense of shadow and depth, and the wrinkles on the man's face convey age and experience. The linear nature of the etching technique lends a graphic quality to the image, emphasizing the stark contrast between light and shadow. Hollar was highly skilled in using his tools. The level of detail suggests many hours of dedicated work. By understanding this process, we can appreciate the artistry and labor involved in creating this small yet powerful portrait.