Study of an Old Man 1630

Jan Lievens made this captivating Study of an Old Man, likely in the 17th century, with oil on panel. The rough panel provides an active texture, and this isn't just a passive support. It is a partner in the performance of this painting. The grain emerges through the image, enhancing the aged quality of the portrait. Lievens' brushwork is equally important. You can see the layering of paint, the texture of the brushstrokes. They almost seem to mimic the texture of the old man's beard. It speaks to a moment when artists were fascinated by the effects they could achieve with simple means. Lievens wasn't trying to trick you into thinking you were seeing real flesh and hair; he wanted you to see the paint as much as the person. By emphasizing the materiality of the paint and panel, Lievens elevates his work. It becomes more than just a picture. It's an object with its own presence, its own history of making. This is the essence of craft, and it's what makes this painting so compelling.