Old Man Leaning against a Sack
1767
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1767
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows an old man lying on the ground, leaning against a large sack. Around him are a cow, a goat, and a basket of vegetables. The scene looks like a quiet countryside moment, with trees and bushes in the background. The man’s tired pose and the scattered food might hint at a story about hard work. The artist used a technique that creates soft shadows and fine details. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with needles and acid.