Bust of a Man c. 18th century

Curator: Barthholomäus Ignaz Weiss created this intaglio print, "Bust of a Man," back in 1787. Editor: He looks like he holds secrets, doesn't he? The kind etched deep by time, just like these lines. Curator: The hatching technique is quite striking. Weiss's mastery of line creates depth and texture—see how the density varies to define form? Editor: It almost vibrates, doesn't it? Like he's about to tell you something terribly important or maybe terribly funny, then disappear in a puff of smoke. Curator: The exotic turban adds such a dramatic flair to the composition, drawing our eye upward. Editor: Absolutely. I imagine Weiss saw something in this man's face, some story waiting to burst forth. It's lovely to see.