Jan Six
1739
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1739
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man in a big wig, sitting in a chair with one arm resting on the back. Behind him, a woman in flowing robes leans forward, and a small child sits on the floor, playing with a book. The man’s face is large and detailed, while the background has soft, wavy lines and a few faint shapes. The artist used tiny lines and shading to create depth, making the fabrics look textured. This style was common in Baroque art, which often showed drama and detail. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one made prints.