Augustyn Bloemaert

About this work

This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man in a dark robe and white collar. His face is wrinkled, and he holds a piece of paper in one hand while the other rests on his chest. Behind him, a small scene includes a cross, a book, and a figure on a ladder. The words around the edges are in Dutch, hinting this might be a portrait of a scholar or religious figure. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the image look almost three-dimensional. Want to see how this kind of detailed shading works? Look up cross-hatching.