An old man in a fur coat sitting on a chair

Art Historical Context

In the Prints collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,An Old Man in a Fur Coat Sitting on Chair* (1814) is a etching by Dutch artist Pieter Christoffel. Created on wove paper—a smooth, fine sheet popular in the early 19th century for its clarity—this intimate portrait measures just 4 7/16 × 3 1/4 inches on the, inviting close viewing. Wonder captures the subject in a moment of quiet repose, his fur-trimmed coat suggesting warmth and perhaps modest status amid the era's post-Napoleonic shifts in Europe. Etching, Wonder's chosen technique, involves incising lines into a metal plate with acid, allowing for precise, expressive details like the texture of fur or the subtle folds of fabric. This print exemplifies the period's fascination with character studies and everyday portraits, bridging Dutch genre traditions with emerging Romantic individualism. Such small-scale works were often produced for collectors, offering affordable access to artistry beyond paintings. Recently acquired through the PECO Foundation Gift in 2023, this piece highlights the enduring appeal of 19th-century printmaking. Visitors can appreciate how Wonder transforms a simple seated figure into a poignant glimpse of human aging and resilience.