Volwassen man met bontmuts 1748 - 1795

This etching, "Volwassen man met bontmuts" – or "Mature Man with Fur Hat" – was created by Jan Chalon in the late 18th century. Its small scale belies the density of detail and texture Chalon achieves through the etching technique. Look closely at how Chalon uses a network of fine lines to build up the image. These lines create a palpable sense of depth and volume, particularly in the rendering of the fur hat, where the texture is almost tactile. The subject's face, framed by the hat and cloak, is a study in character. Chalon employs light and shadow to articulate the planes of the face, capturing a sense of the man’s inner life. The composition is deceptively simple; the figure is placed centrally, filling the frame. However, the asymmetry of the lighting and the slight turn of the head introduce a dynamic tension. This etching functions not just as a portrait, but as a commentary on the play of light and shadow, and the expressive potential of line. It invites continuous re-interpretation.