Portret van een man, en profil naar rechts 1610 - 1655

Pieter Fransz. de Grebber created this striking portrait of a man in profile using etching techniques. The composition is dominated by a play of light and shadow, achieved through dense, intricate line work. This creates a textured surface that brings a tactile quality to the image. The structural arrangement is simple yet powerful: the man's profile is sharply defined against a softly rendered background. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the face, giving it depth and volume. This meticulous attention to detail reflects the influence of Renaissance portraiture, while the looser handling of the hair and background suggests an interest in capturing a sense of immediacy. The lines may appear traditional at first glance. However, the strategic use of line and shadow destabilizes conventional notions of representation. It invites us to consider the sitter's psychological state, as the formal elements convey a sense of introspection. The man remains an intriguing, almost enigmatic presence.