Head of an Old Woman (so-called portrait of Visscher's mother)

Cornelis Visscher

Created:
Movement:
c. 1649-58
Baroque
key Notes:
Expressive realism, detailed etching
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Dimensions:
Sheet; trimmed: 14.1 × 8.7 cm (5 9/16 × 3 7/16 in.)
medium:
Etching and engraving on ivory laid paper
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Head of an Old Woman (so-called portrait of Visscher's mother)" is a drawing by Cornelis Visscher, a Dutch artist known for his detailed and expressive portraiture. The work, often attributed to the mid-17th century, exemplifies Visscher's skill in capturing the character and texture of his subjects, though the identity of the sitter remains speculative and unconfirmed.

Description of the work:

"Head of an Old Woman" by Cornelis Visscher is an etching and engraving on ivory laid paper that depicts an elderly woman with a deeply lined face, capturing the texture of her skin and the softness of her hair with meticulous detail. The composition is characterized by its strong chiaroscuro, which enhances the three-dimensionality of the subject's features and conveys a sense of introspective dignity.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Head of an Old Woman (so-called portrait of Visscher's mother)