Lezende oude man bij kaarslicht 1735 - 1795

"Lezende oude man bij kaarslicht" (Reading Old Man by Candlelight) is an etching by Hendrik Pothoven, dated 1735-1795. The print, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts an elderly man with a long white beard, engrossed in a book illuminated by a candle. The intimate setting, characterized by the soft light and the man's focused gaze, evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and scholarly pursuit. Pothoven's skillful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism, enhancing the melancholic atmosphere of the artwork. The etching provides a glimpse into the world of 18th-century intellectualism, highlighting the importance of knowledge and the solitude often associated with learning.