Francois Verdier
1723
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1723
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with a serious expression. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled shirt, and a loose coat. His hands rest on a draped cloth, and a few tools—maybe a brush or chisel—lie on a ledge below him. The background is dark, making his face stand out sharply. The name at the bottom reads *Francois Verdier*, with a title that hints he was a teacher at a French art school. The artist’s skill shows in the fine lines that create texture, especially in the fabric and hair. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.