Artwork

Young Man Standing with a Cane

Young Man Standing with a Cane, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1598
Young Man Standing with a Cane, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1598

Young Man Standing with a Cane is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Young Man Standing with a Cane, a print by Hendrick Goltzius circa 1598, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work portrays a youthful figure in Renaissance dress, posed with a cane.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a young man, is depicted in a three-quarter view, conveying a sense of casual elegance with his left hand on his hip and right hand grasping a cane, suggesting confidence or leisure.

Technique & Style

Characterized by intricate folds, textures, and a neutral background, the print showcases Renaissance attire and hairstyle. The high level of detail and realism imply the use of chiaroscuro, emphasizing light and dark contrasts.

History & Provenance

Created around 1598 by Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius, the print's history prior to its current ownership by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Reflecting late 16th-century European aesthetics, the work aligns with the Renaissance's emphasis on realism and the depiction of everyday life with heightened detail and lighting techniques.

Legacy

As a work by Goltzius, it contributes to the artist's reputation for detailed, stylistically innovative prints, influencing subsequent generations of European artists in technique and subject matter.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrik Goltzius

Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.