Kop van een grijsaard 1888

Eduard Augustyns created this print, "Head of an Old Man," using etching techniques. The image, confined to a small rectangle within the larger paper, presents a study in contrasts between light and shadow. The face of the old man emerges from the dense, almost chaotic lines that suggest hair and beard. Look closely at the head, notice how Augustyns uses the etching lines to create the illusion of volume and texture, particularly in the beard and hair which have a dynamic swirling motion. The play of light across the figure's face highlights the depth of the man’s gaze, offering a momentary glimpse into his contemplative state. The print's structure highlights the interplay between the controlled space of the etched rectangle and the implied infinity of the unworked paper around it. This juxtaposition invites viewers to reflect on how we frame and understand the human condition through art, challenging us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper structures of representation.