Untitled: Rembrandtesque Old Man 1900 - 2000

This is Waltner’s “Untitled: Rembrandtesque Old Man,” an undated etching. It’s a work that invites us to consider the passage of time and its effects on identity. Waltner's choice to emulate Rembrandt, a master of capturing human emotion and depth, positions this work within a historical dialogue about artistic legacy and influence. The old man's face, etched with wrinkles and framed by a long beard, speaks of a life lived, marked by experience and reflection. Consider the cultural context: images of aging men often carry connotations of wisdom and authority, yet they also confront us with our own mortality. What does it mean to represent age in this way, and how does it challenge or reinforce our perceptions of value and worth? Waltner prompts us to consider the complex interplay between visibility, vulnerability, and the stories we tell about growing old.