Gepijnigde oude man 1820 - 1830

Jean Augustin Daiwaille created this lithograph of a tormented old man. The work reflects the broader cultural interest in the human condition and the emotional intensity characteristic of the Romantic movement. Daiwaille lived through a period of significant social and political upheaval, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. This historical context shaped an acute awareness of the suffering and resilience of individuals. The piece invites us to reflect on the human experience of aging, pain, and emotional distress. Daiwaille's choice to focus on an older subject challenges the traditional art which celebrated youth and beauty. Instead, he directs our attention to the often-overlooked realities of aging and the emotional weight it carries. Consider how the lines etched into the man's face tell a story of a life marked by hardship, and how this representation can be both a recognition of human frailty and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.