Oude man met baard by Pierre François Basan

Oude man met baard 1733 - 1797

pencil drawn

photo of handprinted image

shape in negative space

light pencil work

pencil sketch

old engraving style

pencil drawing

limited contrast and shading

tonal art

remaining negative space

"Oude man met baard" is an etching by Pierre François Basan, a French printmaker, from 1733-1797. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a close-up of an elderly man's face in an oval frame. His beard is prominent, and his gaze seems to be cast downward. This small, detailed etching is a testament to Basan's skill in capturing the likeness of his subject with subtle lines and shading. The etching showcases Basan's mastery of the art of portraiture, a genre popular in the 18th century.