The Rehearsal 1919

Arthur William Heintzelman created this etching, titled "The Rehearsal," sometime in the first half of the 20th century. Heintzelman was deeply interested in capturing the human condition through portraiture, often focusing on laborers, and people from marginalized communities. Here, we see an older man, perhaps a musician, holding a cello. The detailed etching captures the texture of his weathered face, the weight of his years seemingly etched as deeply as the lines on the plate. He wears a broad-brimmed hat, and his gaze is directed away, perhaps lost in thought or memory. The image evokes a sense of solitude and introspection, inviting us to consider the lives of those dedicated to artistic expression. Heintzelman’s choice of subject reflects a broader cultural interest in romanticizing the working class. Yet, in this image, he presents a more nuanced perspective that honors the dignity of the individual, reflecting both the beauty and the hardship inherent in a life dedicated to art.