Artwork
Old Man Wearing a Turban Ornamented with Fur, Facing Right
Old Man Wearing a Turban Ornamented with Fur, Facing Right is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Old Man Wearing a Turban Ornamented with Fur, Facing Right is an etching on laid paper created by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione around 1646. The work is characteristic of the Italian Baroque style and showcases Castiglione's skill as a printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts an elderly man in profile, wearing a fur-trimmed turban. The detailed rendering of the subject's facial features and attire suggests a study of expression and costume.
Technique & Style
The image is executed in a scratchy, expressive style, with layered lines that give the impression of rapid execution. The use of etching allowed Castiglione to achieve a high level of detail and texture in the work.
Context
The work is consistent with Castiglione's practice of using drawing and printmaking to study faces and expressions. The presence of writing in the top corner of the paper may indicate that the artist was using the sheet for notes or studies.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (baptized 23 March 1609 – 5 May 1664) was an Italian Baroque painter, printmaker and draftsman, of the Genoese school.
Young Man Wearing a Fur Headdress with a Headband, Facing Right
Small Oriental Head
Small Oriental Head
Bust of an Old Woman Turned in Profile to the Right
Oriental with a Fur Hat, Looking Left
The Artist's Mother, Head and Bust
Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress
Old Woman Standing
Head of an Old Woman (Visscher's Mother)
The Artist's Mother Seated, in an Oriental Headdress
The Second Oriental Head
Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak