Oude man op een stok leunend 1802

Jacob Ernst Marcus created this drawing of an old man leaning on a stick with graphite, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century. The subtle tonality and the artist's focus on form invite a meditative viewing experience. The figure is rendered with a meticulous layering of graphite, which creates a soft, almost velvety texture, particularly noticeable in the folds of his coat. Marcus masterfully uses hatching to define the form and volume of the man, whose bowed posture and the angle of the walking stick create a diagonal tension across the composition, offset by the vertical stability of his hat and the stick itself. The use of light and shadow is also noteworthy. Marcus employs light to accentuate the curves and contours of the man's face and clothing. This play of light not only enhances the realism but also adds a layer of emotional depth, evoking themes of temporality and reflection.