Self-Portrait in a Fur Cap
1630
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a face turned slightly to the side, wearing a big, fluffy fur cap. The lines are loose and scratchy, especially in the hair and cap, making it look almost fuzzy. The paper has a worn, yellowish edge, and the whole thing feels quick and sketchy, like a first try. The artist used a sharp tool to carve into the metal plate, creating those rough, tangled lines—this is called *etching*. It’s not smooth like a painting; it’s more like scratching into the surface. Next, check out how *etching* works as a technique.
