Untitled c. 19th century

This 19th-century wood engraving by American artist William B. Closson depicts a scene in a Middle Eastern marketplace. The composition focuses on a barber giving a customer a haircut while another man sits nearby. The detailed lines and tonal contrasts create a sense of realism and bring the scene to life. Closson was known for his wood engravings, which were often based on his travels and observations of different cultures. This work highlights his interest in depicting everyday life and the diversity of human experience. The engraving, now in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers a glimpse into the artist's fascination with cultural detail and his mastery of the wood engraving medium.