Bust of an Old Man 1578 - 1588

Agostino Carracci's "Bust of an Old Man," an etching created between 1578 and 1588, depicts a man in his later years, engrossed in a book. The artist, a prominent figure in the Bolognese School of painting, utilized detailed hatching to capture the texture of the man's wrinkled skin and flowing beard. The close-up composition emphasizes the sitter's contemplative expression, highlighting the passage of time and the wisdom gained through experience. This print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, offers a glimpse into Carracci's mastery of portraiture and his ability to evoke emotion through subtle details.