Hoofd van oude man met baret 1620 - 1664

This is Stefano della Bella’s "Head of an Old Man with a Beret," an etching made sometime in the mid-17th century. The first impression is of lightness and brevity. Notice how the head is rendered with swift, economical lines, almost as if caught in a fleeting moment. Della Bella’s technique here isn't just about capturing a likeness; it’s an exploration of form through the most minimal means. The barest suggestion of shadow and texture brings the face to life. The etching's strength lies in its incompleteness, inviting viewers to fill in the gaps. This approach challenges the traditional emphasis on detailed representation, and the unfinished quality becomes a statement in itself, reflecting broader artistic interests in suggestion over explicit depiction. The beret, indicated with just a few strokes, suggests character without defining it, leaving us to contemplate the essence of the subject.