Grijsaard met half opgeheven hand c. 1580 - 1648

Hendrick Goudt created this drawing, "Grijzaard met half opgeheven hand," which translates to "Old Man with Half-Raised Hand," likely in the early 17th century. The drawing primarily uses brown ink on paper, showcasing the artist's focus on line and texture. The composition is dominated by the figure of an old man, his head bowed, and his hand slightly raised, creating a sense of introspection or supplication. The formal qualities of the drawing—the cross-hatching technique that builds up tone and form, the subtle variations in line weight—contribute to the overall mood of quiet contemplation. The old man's posture and the direction of the lines guide the viewer's eye, emphasizing the weight of his thoughts or the burden of age. This piece invites consideration of how Goudt uses simple means to evoke complex emotions. It suggests a kind of visual semiotics where posture, line, and shading converge to create a narrative. The old man, caught in a moment of reflection, becomes a sign, and the piece functions as a larger cultural and philosophical discourse on aging and the human condition.