engraving
portrait
pencil sketch
mannerism
pencil drawing
portrait drawing
engraving
Dimensions: height 78 mm, width 61 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a small, anonymous print, titled "Head of a Soldier" from an unknown date. It's made with lines etched into a metal plate, then printed onto paper. The linear precision suggests a skilled hand, someone trained in the discipline of printmaking. Look closely, and you'll see how the network of lines defines the form and texture of the soldier’s face, armor, and fur headdress. Each stroke required careful planning, reflecting not just artistic skill, but a deep understanding of materials. The print would have been a relatively accessible item, circulating images and ideas widely. The soldier is a symbol of power, but made available for everyday consumption. It is a potent reminder that even images of authority are themselves products, made by someone, for someone, within a specific social context.
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