Oude man stemt een luit 1659 - 1740

Jan van der Bruggen created this print, ‘Oude man stemt een luit’, with etching and engraving techniques. The subdued palette gives the scene a quiet intimacy, inviting us to examine its structure closely. The composition is divided into distinct zones, with the figures arranged within a carefully constructed interior. Note how the artist uses linear elements to guide our gaze—from the verticality of the staff to the diagonals formed by the old man's posture and the lute. These lines converge, creating a sense of depth and drawing us into the heart of the scene. The balance of light and shadow is particularly striking. The figures emerge from the darkness, lending them a sculptural quality that emphasizes their form and presence. This interplay of line, light, and shadow serves not only to depict the scene but also to imbue it with a sense of psychological complexity. Consider how the formal elements work together to create meaning and engage us in a visual dialogue.