Old man with beard, fur cap, and velvet cloak 1631 - 1719

This anonymous etching from the 17th century depicts the bust of an old man wearing a fur cap and a velvet cloak. The artist’s masterful use of hatching and cross-hatching to create volume and texture is clearly seen in the meticulously detailed beard and the folds of the cloak. The subject's weary eyes and furrowed brow add a sense of gravitas to the portrait. The work is an example of the Dutch Golden Age’s focus on portraiture, capturing a realistic representation of a particular individual. The etching, which is now in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the skill and artistry of anonymous artists who contributed to the rich artistic heritage of the Netherlands.