Zittende oude man 1756

"Zittende oude man," created by Pietro Peiroleri in 1756, is an etching depicting a seated elderly man with a long beard and a feathered hat. The man holds a staff with his right hand and rests his left on his lap. The detail of his clothing, particularly the ornate cap and robe, suggests he may be a man of high social standing, and the inscription at the bottom of the etching, "Il saper, il consiglio, e l'onestade / Pregj sono della canuta etade" (Knowledge, advice, and honesty / are the rewards of old age), emphasizes the wisdom and respect associated with age. This artwork is a fine example of the etching technique, known for its precise lines and delicate shading, often used for portraiture.