Hoofd van een man met baard 1750 - 1850

This is "Head of a Bearded Man," an anonymous drawing at the Rijksmuseum whose date and artist are unknown. The immediate visual impact comes from its concentrated use of line to create form and texture. The hatching and cross-hatching techniques produce a play of light and shadow across the man's face, giving him a tangible presence. Note the contrast between the tightly rendered facial details and the looser, more expressive strokes that define his hair and beard. This contrast could symbolize a tension between the external presentation and the internal character. The structural composition focuses our attention sharply on the man's face, and the gaze is directed towards something unseen by us. We are left to contemplate not just who this man is, but what occupies his mind. This drawing invites a broader exploration of identity, presence, and the very act of seeing.