Oude man 1765

This is Johann Friedrich Bause’s "Oude man," made as an etching sometime in the late 18th century. During this era, European society was steeped in rigid social hierarchies, and artistic patronage often came from the elite. Bause, working in this context, created this intimate portrait, likely influenced by the works of Rembrandt. The etching captures the vulnerability and humanity of its subject, challenging the conventions of portraiture at the time. Consider how Bause's choice to depict an "old man" reflects a broader societal interest in aging, wisdom, and the human condition. The wrinkles, the tired eyes – they speak of a life lived, of experiences accumulated. In a society often focused on youth and beauty, Bause directs our gaze towards the aged, inviting contemplation on the value of lived experience. It makes you wonder about the stories etched onto the old man's face.