Head of an old man facing left, from the series of "Large Oriental Heads" 1640 - 1650

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, also known as Il Grechetto, was an Italian Baroque artist known for his etchings and drawings. This etching, part of a series titled "Large Oriental Heads," depicts an old man with a thick, fur-trimmed hat, looking towards the left. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture in the man's face, hair, and beard, typical of Castiglione's style. This work, dated between 1640 and 1650, showcases Castiglione's mastery of etching and his fascination with the exotic features of "Oriental" figures.