Oude man en profile

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 241 mm x breedte 183 mm

Art Historical Context

Jean-Jacques de Boissieu's *Oude man en profile* (Old Man in Profile), created in 1770, is a delicate etching measuring 241 mm high by 183 mm wide. At just 15 years old, the French artist—born in 1755 in Lyons—demonstrated remarkable skill in this intimate portrait, capturing the contemplative gaze of an elderly figure seen from the side. De Boissieu, a master etcher, was already honing his craft during the waning years of the Rococo era, bridging toward Neoclassicism with his precise, drawing-like lines. Etching, the medium here, involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching designs into it, and immersing it in acid to etch the lines—allowing for intricate textures and tonal depth that mimic pencil sketches. Boissieu's technique shines in rendering the old man's weathered features, furrowed brow, and flowing hair, evoking a sense of quiet dignity and the passage of time. The plate's edge dimensions match the sheet precisely, suggesting a pristine impression valued for its fidelity. This work reflects 18th-century fascination with character studies and classical profile portraits, reminiscent of ancient coins or Renaissance medals. As a young prodigy, de Boissieu's print foreshadows his lifelong reputation for evocative, painterly etchings, offering museum visitors a window into Enlightenment-era humanism and the artistry of printmaking.

About the Artist

Jean Jacques de Boissieu · 1736–1810

French, Lyons 1736–1810 Lyons