Studies of the head of an old man and folded hands 1650 - 1700

This drawing of an old man’s head and hands, of unknown date and by an anonymous artist, is currently held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. Consider the gaze of the man, directed upwards, perhaps to the heavens, or simply lost in thought. His hands are folded in a gesture that might suggest prayer, resignation, or simply rest. This image invites contemplation on themes of age, mortality, and perhaps spirituality, as the artist captures a moment of introspection. It is interesting to consider who this man might have been, and the stories etched into his face and hands. Was he a beggar, a wise elder, or a religious figure? The anonymity of both the artist and the subject allows us to project our own narratives and interpretations onto the image. The drawing avoids idealizing or glorifying its subject, instead presenting a raw and intimate portrait of a life lived.