Executioner from Siebenbürgen 1885

Anders Zorn’s "Executioner from Siebenbürgen," a masterful etching created in 1885, portrays a rugged, bearded man with a stoic expression, likely a symbol of the imposing figure of a Transylvanian executioner. The artist uses subtle lines and tonal variations to depict the subject’s weathered face and the texture of his clothing. Zorn was renowned for his skillful use of chiaroscuro, which enhances the dramatic effect and creates a sense of depth and realism in this poignant portrait. Located in the Art Institute of Chicago, this etching exemplifies Zorn's keen eye for detail and his talent for capturing the character of his subjects.