En hundredårig olding 1837

This is J.V. Gertner’s lithograph "En hundredårig olding", or "A Hundred-Year-Old Man," printed sometime in the mid-19th century. The portrait confronts us with striking immediacy, its stark contrasts heightening the emotional weight of the image. Gertner masterfully uses lithography to emphasize texture and age. Notice how the dense, intricate network of lines captures the deep furrows in the old man's face. The light, reflecting off his bald head, contrasts with the shadowy depths of his eyes and the coarse texture of his hair, creating a palpable sense of depth. The figure's hands, clasped over a walking stick, suggest a life of labor and perseverance. The composition is structured around a central, vertical axis, lending the figure a monumental quality. This formal arrangement invites us to consider the relationship between individual experience and broader societal narratives. The artwork serves as a powerful meditation on mortality, resilience, and the human condition.