Kop van een grijsaard en profil 1831 - 1904

Curator: Here we have "Head of an Old Man in Profile," a work on paper by Arnoud Schaepkens. He worked on this from 1831 to 1904, which means it occupied him for quite some time, or perhaps he continually returned to this type of subject. Editor: It strikes me as melancholic, almost unbearably so. The angle, the closed eyes—he seems lost in thought or perhaps simply weary of the world. The tight hatching of lines surrounding him also seems claustrophobic. Curator: Precisely. The artist’s handling of light and shadow using pencil and charcoal is remarkable. Notice how Schaepkens employs dense cross-hatching to define the background, effectively pushing the figure forward while simultaneously creating a sense of confinement as you noticed. This contrast enhances the psychological depth of the piece. Editor: There's such tenderness in the way he renders the curls of the beard and hair. The rest seems harsh, though. It is as if some unseen weight bears down on the old man. What can you tell me of the lines and the medium here? Curator: The intentional contrast, between the softer rendering of the hair and the rougher definition of the facial features, does heighten that sense of vulnerability and stoicism battling. Schaepkens demonstrates mastery over the humble medium. He captures textures, volumes, and, crucially, the emotional state of his subject. The restricted palette serves to intensify the somber mood. Editor: So, while the drawing initially evoked feelings of sadness, examining it further allows me to perceive it differently. Now, it speaks of resilience. Schaepkens has, with few materials, created a portrait that I cannot look away from. I wonder about his name and life. Curator: Absolutely. And it is that layered understanding of material meeting idea, in addition to execution that renders the work something really very powerful and interesting. What is your feeling about it now, then? Editor: I'm left contemplating the universality of aging, contemplation, and the quiet strength found in moments of introspection, all beautifully captured with just paper, pencil, and charcoal. Curator: Yes, a profound meditation using minimal means. I leave feeling introspective myself.