Hoofd van een oude kale man met baard, in profiel naar links 1620 - 1647

This etching, titled "Head of an Old Bald Man with Beard, in Profile to the Left," was created by Stefano della Bella. Bella's composition captures a somber mood through delicate yet assertive lines. Notice the contrast between the detailed hatching that defines the man's aged face and the more loosely rendered background, which flattens the depth of field and focuses our attention squarely on the subject's profile. The use of line is particularly evocative, as it not only models the form but also conveys texture, from the bristly beard to the soft fur collar. The figure's downward gaze and the stark simplicity of the composition evoke themes of mortality and introspection, a common preoccupation in art of this period. The etching's scale, intimate and precise, invites a close, almost private viewing experience. The man is caught in a moment of contemplation, prompting us to consider the broader human condition. The artwork's power resides in the convergence of technique and subject, allowing the artist to explore philosophical ideas about aging, perception, and the human spirit.