Oude man met een pet 1867 - 1913

Philip Zilcken made this etching of an old man with a cap, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Look closely at the image: the artist used etching, an intaglio printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid. The plate is then inked, and the ink is transferred to paper under high pressure. This is a labor-intensive process, requiring skill and precision. Notice how the etched lines define the man's profile, capturing the texture of his weathered face and the fabric of his cap. The density of the lines creates areas of shadow and depth, giving the portrait a sense of volume. Zilcken was a master of this meticulous technique. Through the marks, the artist shares a delicate intimacy. The printmaking method elevates a common subject, reminding us of the value in both labor and life.