Oude man met bril en uil 1802

This etching, "Old Man with Glasses and Owl" was created by Jan Chalon. Its monochrome palette, defined by stark contrasts of light and shadow, evokes a contemplative, perhaps melancholic mood. Chalon’s use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques, particularly around the face and clothing, creates a rich sense of texture that adds to the overall emotional depth. The composition is carefully balanced. The figure is centrally placed, with the owl acting as a counterpoint, creating a dialogue between the animate and inanimate. The symbolism is a play on the human condition. The owl, traditionally a symbol of wisdom, is perched behind an old man who needs glasses to see, reminding us that wisdom and physical decay coexist. Chalon uses these symbolic elements to question conventional perceptions of knowledge and aging, suggesting that true understanding comes through recognizing our limitations.