Man met rieten mand aan de arm Possibly 1772 - 1833

This is Mathias de Sallieth's "Man met rieten mand aan de arm," an etching. The composition emphasizes the interplay between light and shadow, and the texture of the clothing, the man's features and the woven basket. Sallieth's expert handling of line creates a semiotic structure where each stroke functions as a signifier. Notice how the density of lines around the basket creates a tactile, almost three-dimensional effect. This contrasts with the smoother, less detailed rendering of the man's face. The way Sallieth uses cross-hatching and varying line weights is more than just descriptive. It's a conscious manipulation of visual language to suggest depth, form, and texture. The etching destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing on the material reality of everyday life rather than idealized representation. The basket becomes an object of visual interest, challenging the viewer to reconsider what is worthy of artistic attention. Ultimately, this etching is a study in contrasts. A demonstration of how simple lines, carefully arranged, can evoke a wealth of associations and prompt a reevaluation of the ordinary.