Man Walking and Pointing with His Right Hand 1656 - 1658

Editor: Here we have "Man Walking and Pointing with His Right Hand" by Salvator Rosa. The stark lines create a sense of drama. I wonder, what do you see in this figure's gesture? Curator: He's pointing, isn't he? Perhaps toward the future, or maybe just warning us of something outside the frame. I always wonder what Salvator Rosa was thinking, did he envision himself as one of these wandering vagabonds? Editor: That’s an interesting thought. The way he’s dressed does seem quite simple. What could that signify? Curator: Perhaps Rosa saw nobility in simplicity, a rebellion against the lavish Baroque style of the time, or maybe it was just a darn cold day! I'm still pondering what's he trying to show us. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's amazing how a simple etching can hold so many possibilities!