Gammel mand 1726 - 1748

This is David Gardelle’s ‘Gammel mand’ or ‘Old Man’, undated, painted in the 18th century, during the rococo period. Gardelle, a Genevan artist, challenges traditional portraiture by focusing on age and interiority, rather than status or beauty. The man's gaze is averted, lost in thought, and his expression conveys a sense of melancholy and wisdom. We are confronted with aging, a process often hidden or idealized in art. The artist encourages us to reflect on the value of lived experience. ‘Gammel mand’ also raises questions about societal attitudes toward aging and the representation of older individuals. By presenting the man with dignity and respect, Gardelle invites the viewer to reconsider their own perceptions and biases.