Griekse jonge monnik 1771

This 1771 etching by Italian artist Benigno Bossi depicts a young monk in a Greek-style robe. The monk is standing in a triangular, pyramidal structure with a pointed roof. The robe is adorned with elaborate geometric patterns. This artwork is a fine example of neoclassical styles of the late 18th century. This etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a small work measuring 270mm x 183mm. The print captures the historical styles of ancient Greece, popularized by artists of the late 1700s, and shows Bossi’s interest in classical antiquity.