Hoofd van een oude vrouw 1854

This is "Head of an Old Woman" by Tiburce de Mare, created in the late 19th century using etching techniques. The composition centres on the head of an elderly woman, depicted with a striking downward gaze. The artist employs a network of fine, deliberate lines to articulate her features and clothing, creating a delicate balance between light and shadow. Notice how the density of the lines varies to suggest depth and texture, especially in the rendering of her wrinkled skin and the fabric of her head covering. De Mare's approach to line work draws on a tradition of detailed observation, yet it transcends mere representation. The etching invites us to consider how line alone can convey emotion and character. It emphasizes the power of minimal means to evoke a profound sense of human presence.