Brustbild eines alten Mannes im Profil nach rechts 

Jacob Jordaens' drawing, housed in the Städel Museum, captures an old man in profile. The stark lines and weathered face evoke a sense of timelessness, a visual echo of human experience across generations. The profile view itself is a potent symbol. Think of ancient Roman portraiture, where the profile conveyed authority and status. Here, however, it suggests introspection, a turning inward. The lines etched by time on his face speak to a life lived, a silent narrative of joys and sorrows. This motif of aging and wisdom resonates through art history, from the stoic philosophers of antiquity to Rembrandt's poignant self-portraits. We see a similar depth of character in the faces of Donatello’s prophets. These representations tap into our collective consciousness, reminding us of our mortality and the enduring power of human spirit. Jordaens' drawing, with its stark simplicity, adds another layer to this ongoing visual dialogue. It is a testament to the profound beauty found in the passage of time.