Man met lange jas en hoed 1756

Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre created this etching of a man in a long coat and hat. The figure is centered, creating a strong vertical axis, which is softened by the voluminous coat that drapes around him, introducing gentle curves. Notice how Pierre uses hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture, creating a sense of depth and volume. The etching technique allows for a range of tonal variations, from the dark, dense lines that define the shadows, to the light, sparse lines that suggest highlights. This play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, inviting us to consider the relationship between space and form. The choice of etching reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the period, where the focus was on detailed observation and the representation of reality through careful mark-making. The figure stands as a signifier of the era's interest in capturing the nuances of human form and attire.