Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era.
The 15th century’s expansive trade and commerce spread culture across borders. A vibrant period of art emerged, bolstered by studies of anatomy and nature that influenced a new visual realism. From Raphael and Michelangelo in the Renaissance to Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer in the Dutch Golden Age, artists expressed emotion, naturalism, color and light in new ways. El Greco and Paolo Veronese were leaders in the dramatic style of Mannerism, while Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens demonstrated the movement and meticulous detail of Baroque art.
Historically, most attention was concentrated on male artists, but recent research and exhibitions have elevated the impactful work of women such as Rachel Ruysch and Artemisia Gentileschi. In late-18th-century France, female artists like Adélaïde Labille-Guiard and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun were prominent names. Nevertheless, access to the academies and guilds was highly restricted for women, and even those able to establish practices were expected to adhere to portraits and still lifes rather than the grand history paintings being created by men.
Find a collection of Old Masters prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors and other art on 1stDibs.
A Distribution of Bread to the Poor
Located in Middletown, NY
Utrecht: Herman van Swanevelt, c1650. Etching on cream laid paper, 6 3/4 x 10 3/4 (172 x 273 mm); sheet 7 1/4 x 11 inches (185 x 280 mm), margins. In good condition with some minor s...
Laid Paper, Etching
Bénédiction des pains et des poissons; Distribution des pains
Located in Middletown, NY
A fine work with masterful detail by an exceptional artist whose name is lost to history. European School, 17th century Ink and wash in black, sepia and grayish brown ink with white...
Ink, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Landscape with a Cardinal
Located in Middletown, NY
Utrecht: Herman van Swanevelt, c1650. Etching on cream laid paper, 6 3/4 x 10 3/4 (172 x 273 mm), the full sheet, thread margins (trimmed at the platemark). In good condition with s...
Laid Paper, Etching
Cercle of Ambrosius Francken, Adoration of the shepherds, 17th century Antwerp
Located in PARIS, FR
Adoration of the shepherds, Cercle of Ambrosius Francken, Early 17th century Antwerp school Oil on oak panel: h. 55 cm, w. 43 cm (21.65 in x 16.93 in) 17th c. ebonized and moulded f...
Oil, Wood Panel
Oeillet - Les Fleurs Animées Vol.I - Lithograph by J.J. Grandville - 1847
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on paper. Plate from the Series "Les Fleurs Animées". Single sheet with passepartout. "...You must have discovered, kind reader, that it is the life of the Pink herself...
Lithograph
Pavot - Les Fleurs Animées Vol.I - Lithograph by J.J. Grandville - 1847
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on paper. Plate from the Series "Les Fleurs Animées". Single sheet with passepartout. "...I was once the flower of sleep. But sleep no longer brings to man forgetfulnes...
Lithograph
$640
Primevère Perce-Neige - Les Fleurs... - Lithograph by J.J. Grandville - 1847
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on paper. Plate from the Series "Les Fleurs Animées". Single sheet with passepartout. "...My strength has been exhausted by piercing through the hard snows of winter. B...
Lithograph
Tabac - Les Fleurs Animées Vol.I - Lithograph by J.J. Grandville - 1847
Located in Roma, IT
The Boss Crocodile is an original lithograph on ivory-colored paper realized by J.J. Grandville from Scènes de la vie privée et publique des animaux, 1852. Published by Manesq & ...
Lithograph
The Singers
Located in Chicago, IL
The Singers (4th State), 1667 Etching printed with tone 240 x 190 mm.; 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches Provenance: W. Benoni White (Lugt 2592) Karl Herweg (not in Lugt) References: Godefroy 19 IV/VII Hollstein 19 IV/VII Pelletier, Georgia Museum of Art, 1994: nos. 46 and 47 Notes: A very fine impression of the rare 4th state (of seven) of this major Van Ostade. Godefroy illustrates differences between this 4th state and the following 5th state. In the latter state, there are several “escaped lines”, going obliquely from left to right, directly above the central post. These lines are not visible in the 4th state. Ostade was one of the most important of the printmakers within the Rembrandt circle. His prints, avoiding religious subjects, depicted beggars, peasants and artisans. Combining great artistic sensitivity with thorough mastery of the medium of etching, Ostade etchings present a unique artistic panorama of life in seventeenth-century Holland. Pelletier (S. William Pelletier, Adrian Van Ostade...
Etching
$8,345Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century By Vincenzo Re The Pool of Bethesda Oil on Canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vincenzo Re (Parma, Italy, 1695 - Naples, Italy, 1762) Title: The Pool of Bethesda Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 50 x 62 cm - wi...
Canvas, Oil
Christ Crowned with Thorns, from The Passion of Christ
By Hendrick Goltzius
Located in Middletown, NY
Engraving on cream wove paper, 8 x 5 3/8 inches (203 x 137 mm), narrow to thread margins. First state (of 2). A fine impression with archival paper adhered at left top and bottom cor...
Engraving
$11,310
17th century etching black and white landscape scene forest trees figures sky
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Temps, Apollon, et les Saisons (Time, Apollo, and the Seasons)" is an etching by Claude Gellée (Le Lorrain). This etching is the Fifth state (A). This state is also in collections in Paris (BN, L, PP) and Washington; Mannocci cat. no. 43. The inscription reads: "Apollo in atto di obedire al tempo. La Primavera a cominciare il ballo. Lestate no manca del suo calore. L'aurunno colsuo licore / Seguita. Linvernno tiene la sua staggione, Claudio Gillee inven.Fec.Roma 1662 con licenza de super." A powerful example of Claude's staging of landscape in the classical manner is the etching "Time, Apollo, and the Seasons," done in 1662 after Poussin's painting of 1624-1636, "Dance to the Music of Time...
Etching
17th c. Flemish - Landscape with Flight to Egypt - Antwerp circa 1630
Located in PARIS, FR
LANDSCAPE WITH FLIGHT TO EGYPT, JASPER VAN DER LANEN (ANTWERP, 1585 - 1634) 17TH CENTURY FLEMISH SCHOOL ANTWERP CIRCA 1630 Oil on copper, dimensions: h. 10.23 in, w. 14.96 in Flemish style frame in ebonized wood adorned with wavy moldings and wood veneer. Framed dimensions: h. 17.32 in, w. 21.65 in This artwork is sold with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing its origin, date of execution, and attribution to the artist. Provenance: Philips auction...
Copper
Europe: An Original 18th Century Hand-colored Map by E. Bowen
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 18th century hand-colored map entitled "A New & Accurate Map of Europe Drawn from the Best Authorities Assisted by the Most Improved Modern Charts and Maps." by E...
Engraving
$24,302
Ascension day in Venice by Louis de Caullery (1582-1621) 17th c. Flemish school
Located in PARIS, FR
Ascension Day in Venice 17th century Antwerp School Louis de Caullery (1582-1621) Oil on oak panel Dimensions: h. 12.8 in, w. 23.03 in (h. 32,5 cm, w. 58,5 c...
Oil, Oak
Saint Simon, from Christ and the Apostles
By Ludolf Ludwig Businck
Located in Middletown, NY
Chiaroscuro woodcut on cream laid paper, printed from three blocks in black, olive-green, and yellow ochre, 8 3/16 x 6 1/4 inches (207 x 157 mm), thread margins. Some scattered light discoloration throughout, lightly backed with laid paper, however the sheet retains translucence when viewed through raking light. Trimmed at or near the margin. Archivally sound small repaired corner tear, upper right, with a very minor (1/4 inch) vertical edge split in the center top margin, above the figure's head. All condition issues are consistent with age, and present an exceptionally good example of this truly remarkable work. With the collector's stamp of Friedrich August II, King of Saxony, last King of Poland (1797-1854), Dresden, on the right corner, recto (Lugt 971). This work likely appeared in a well-known posthumous sale of Friedrich August II's private collection, which was handled by C.G. Boerner, and took place in Leipzig, on May 7-9, 1928, presumably this print was presented as lot 1551. [Stechow 16] Ludolph Busïnck was born at Hann, Germany around 1590. By about 1620 he was actively working as a printmaker in Paris, collaborating with publisher and celebrated cartographer Melchoir Tavernier. Busïnck may have studied printmaking in the Netherlands, evidenced by the influence of Dutch printmaker Hendrick Goltzius we see in the bold woodcuts he produced in France. Busïnck was the first printmaker to create chiaroscuro woodcuts in France, a technique originated by German artist Hans Burgkmair...
Woodcut
The Lamentation of Christ, 16th Century Oil Old Master
Located in London, GB
Circle of Ridolfo Ghirlandaio 1483 - 1561 Oil on panel Image size: 20 ½ x 16 ½ inches (52 x 42 cm) Handmade contemporary style gilt frame The lamentation of Christ was one of the most popular scenes depicted in European art from the 11th to the 18th century. Depicting the lamentation or pieta from the Italian word for ‘Pity’ of Christ with Jesus’s mother Mary cradling his body. Christ is depicted nude, wearing only a blueish loincloth around his waist, a horizontal scar marking his rib cage. His head and torso are held upright, and his eyes are closed, his right arm lays to his side as does his left. Standing behind him, is the Virgin Mary, outfitted in her traditional dress of a robe with a white veil. She stands behind Christ and bends slightly, looking looking away from Christ to something that has caught her attention, her right hand holding his shoulder. Her left-hand carefully holds his arm. This work is quite unusual with Mary . This stunning work jumps out with its dark background and strong flesh colours. Ridolfo Ghirlandaio was the son of the eminent painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. Following his father’s death in 1494, when he was just eleven years old, Ridolfo is thought to have continued his training with his uncle Davide, who had taken over the Ghirlandaio workshop. Vasari noted that Ridolfo also studied with Fra Bartolommeo...
Oil
$770
Four Soldiers, one with Flag - Etching after Salvator Rosa - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
This etching, representing Four soldiers, one with flag, is an 18th century copy after Salvator Rosa and it is from the series of capricci with soldiers, called Figurine. The first ...
Etching
Floral Still Life
Located in Sheffield, MA
Justus Von Huysum Amsterdam, 1659-1716 Floral Still Life Oil on canvas 59 by 45 in. W//frame 65 ½ by 51 ½ in. Signed lower left Justus van Huysum ...
Oil
$2,000
Le Supplice du Garrot, Old Masters Heliogravure Etching by Francisco de Goya
Located in Long Island City, NY
Francisco de Goya, After by Amand Durand, Spanish (1746 - 1828) - Le Supplice du Garrot, Year: 1875, Medium: Heliogravure, Size: 12.5 x 8.5 in. (31.75 x 21.59 cm), Printer: Amand Durand, Description: An Amand Durand etching...
Etching
$11,555
Saint Jerome, translating at his writing desk, with a landscape beyond
Located in Henley-on-Thames, England
Flemish, mid-16th century Circle of Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (1470-1533) Saint Jerome, translating at his writing desk, with a landscape beyond, and his lion drinking from a s...
Oil
Cuzco School Baptismal Dish
By Spanish Colonial (Peruvian)
Located in New York, NY
Provenance: Manuel Ortíz de Zevallos y García, Peru; and by descent in the family to: Private Collection, New York. This impressive baptismal dish is an example of eighteenth-cent...
Silver
Still Life Arrangement - Dutch Old Master 17thC art oil painting fruit butterfly
By Leendert de Laeff
Located in Hagley, England
A fine Dutch still life Old Master by Leendert de Laeff which is signed and dated 1664. This oil on canvas on panel depicts a still life of fruit with insects and butterflies. A supe...
Oil
North and South America: An 18th Century Hand-colored Map by Johann Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
This early 18th century hand-colored copperplate map of North and South America entitled "Totius Americae Septentrionalis Et Meridionalis Novissima Repraesentatio" was created by Johann Baptist Homann and published in Nuremberg, Germany, between 1710 and 1731. The map details cities, forts, mountains, forests and lakes, as well as districts. There is a decorative cartouche in the lower left which depicts a volcano, scenes representing the people in their native costumes, as well as animals and plants of the Americas. A village is seen in the background on the left. A second smaller decorative cartouche in the upper right includes text and a series of allegorical figures. A large portion if the north central and western portions of North America is left without detail, because the region was largely unexplored at the time this map was created. The map also shows "Terra Esonis Incognita", representing a mythical continuous land bridge from North America to Asia, a northwest passage. The map preceded the French and...
Engraving
Anatomical Studies - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Copperplate engraving from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, Tome IX, 1771 edition (Pl. XXVI, p. 298). This finely detailed anatomical plate illustrates th...
Etching
Anatomical Studies - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière Tome III, Plate II, page 94 Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1771 Copperplate engraving on laid paper (approx. 24.5 × 19.5 ...
Etching
Dreams of Hope, Portrait of Girl with Wings, Original Oil on Canvas
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
Dreams of Hope Seen from behind, the winged figure hovers between child, fairy, and symbolic apparition. The painting is tender and wistful, allowing hope to feel fragile rather than...
Oil, Canvas
Le Chien de Berger - Etching by Jacques de Sève- 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière, Tom. V, Pl. XXVIII, p. 300. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely engraved...
Etching
River Landscape with Shepherds and Architecture, a painting by Jan van Bunnik
By Jan van Bunnik
Located in PARIS, FR
This painting has been the subject of a study by the art historian Fabrizio Dassie (available on request), confirming its inclusion in Jan van Bunnik’s corpus. In this painting, Ja...
Copper
Vedute di Roma (3rd state) (Frontispiece of series, with Statue of Minerva)
Located in Chicago, IL
Views of Rome (Vedute di Roma): Frontispiece for the whole series, with Statue of Minerva. A fine impression of the rare 3rd state (of seven) of this m...
Etching
Ancient Roman Architecture: Framed Original 18th C. Etching by G. Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
"A sua Eccellenza il Signor Henry Hope Cav. Scozzese Amatore delle Belle Arti from "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, Ed Ornamenti Antichi", (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ancient ornaments) is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published in 1778. It depicts stone caryatids...
Etching
STILL LIFE - Massimo Reggiani - Oil on Canvas Italian Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
STILL LIFE - Oil on canvas cm. 40x50 by Massimo Reggiani, Italy 2005 Still life, a pictorial representation of foodstuffs, objects or inanimate objects, was one of the artistic genres that became completely independent in the seventeenth century. Reggiani has composed this still life inspired by the Dutch school. Fruit, grapes and peaches...
Canvas, Oil
Floral Arrangement in a Glass Vase - Dutch Old Master still life oil painting
By Simon Pietersz Verelst (circle)
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning 18th century Dutch Old Master Golden Age floral oil painting is attributed to a circle of Simon Pietersz Verelst. Painted circa 1720 it is a still life floral of a mixe...
Oil
Anatomical Study – Lingual and Oral...- Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Tom. X, Pl. XV, p. 78. From Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely engraved anatomical...
Etching
Anatomical Studies – Liver and Associated... - Etching by Antoine Defehrt - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Tom. X, Pl. VII, p. 50. From Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely engraved anatomica...
Etching
Animal Anatomy - Etching by Buvée d’Amérique - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière Paris, Imprimerie Royale, 1771 Tome VIII – Plate IV, p. 26 Original copperplate engraving 24.5 x 19.5 cm Fine 18th-century c...
Etching
Animal Anatomy - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate From Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, tom. III – Pl. XV, p. 256 This copperplate engraving presents a comprehensive anatomical view of the urinary and major vascular systems withi...
Etching
Anatomical Study – Stomach and Associated... - Etching by Juste Chevillet - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Tom. X, Pl. IX, p. 50. From Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely executed anatomical...
Etching
$9,958Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century by Juan Alfonso Abril Head of St Paul Painting Oil on Canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Juan Alfonso Abril (active in the 17th century in Valladolid, Spain) Title: Head of Saint Paul Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 48.5 x 62 ...
Canvas, Oil
Animal Anatomy - Etching by Juste Chevillet - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière. Tome VIII – Plate III, p. 26. Paris, Imprimerie Royale, 1771. Engraving (etching and burin), approx. 24.5 × 19.5 cm. This fi...
Etching
$15,174Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Holy Family Francesco Nuvolone Madonna and Child oil on Canvas
Located in Sanremo, IT
An oil painting on canvas measuring 102 x 120 cm unframed and 110 x 128 cm, depicting a Holy Family by the painter Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan, 1609-1702). A member of a dynasty...
Oil, Canvas
$2,015
COUNTRY GIRL- In the Manner of W.A.Bouguereau- Italy Oil on canvas -Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Country girl - Pietro Colonna Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas cm. 45x25 Gold gilded wooden frame available on request The painting by Pietro Colonna is a reinterpretation of the Young Sh...
Canvas, Oil
$1,422Sale Price|33% Off
Greek Orthodox 19th century - portable triptych - Hodegetria Madonna
Located in Varmo, IT
Greek Orthodox travel icon (19th century) - Madonna and Child with Four Saints (Madonna Hodegetria). 30.5 x 19 cm closed, 30.5 x 37 cm open. Tempera on panel, fold-out triptych str...
Oil, Panel
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Early 19th Century Classical Italian Oil Capriccio Lake Landscape Old Ruins
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Italian Landscape English artist, early 19th century circle/ follower of Joseph Mallord William Turner (British 1775-1851) oil on wood panel, framed in a delightful antique walnu...
Oil
Sleeping Man
Located in Middletown, NY
A superb impression from an important mid-19th century collection. Etching on white laid paper with a partial crown and shield watermark, 4 x 2 7/8 inches (102 mm x 73 mm), margins....
Laid Paper, Etching
Comparative Anatomical Plate – Interior... - Etching by Jacques Baron - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Table from Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière. Tom. XI, Pl. XVI, p. 276 Paris, 1771 Copperplate engraving on laid paper. A finely engraved anatomical study depict...
Etching
Anatomical Plate – Digestive System - Etching by Antoine Defehrt - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière. Tom. XI, Pl. XIII, p. 276 Paris, 1771 Copperplate engraving on laid paper Sheet size: approx. 24.5 x 19.5 cm A fine...
Etching
Pelvic Structure and Proximal Femur - Etching by Antoine Defehrt - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière. Tome XI – Plate V, p. 142. Paris, Imprimerie Royale, 1771. Engraving (etching and burin), approx. 24.5 × 19.5 cm. T...
Etching
Pair of Italian 18' century Paintings with Gardens
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian 18' century paintings , oil on canvas with Venetian Palace gardens , antiques sculptures and various figures . Measurements with frame cm 75 x101
Oil
Anatomical Study - Etching by Jacques Baron - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Table from Buffon's Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière, Tom. XI Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1771 Plate XIX, p. 276 Copper engraving Sheet size: approx. 24.5 × 19.5 cm This a...
Etching
Portrait of Jacob Cats, poet – engraved by Michiel Nöel Natalis
Located in Middletown, NY
Amsterdam: Francois Halma, circa 1700. Engraving on laid paper, 13 x 7 3/4 inches (350 x 197 mm); sheet 15 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches (400 x 248 mm), full margins. In very good condition wi...
Laid Paper, Engraving
Animal Anatomy - Etching by Juste Chevillet - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, 1771 – Tom. IX, Pl. XXXVIII (p. 360) Copper engraving from the 1771 edition, depicting detailed anatomical studies of the male reproductive system, inclu...
Etching
Animal Anatomy - Etching by Juste Chevillet - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, 1771 – Tom. IX, Pl. VI (p. 48) Copper engraving from the 1771 edition depicting detailed anatomical studies of reproductive organs, shown in multiple vie...
Etching
Anatomical Studies - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Plate from Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, 1771 – Tom. IX, Pl. XXVIII (p. 298). Copper engraving depicting detailed anatomical studies of the urinary bladder and adjacent glands, shown ...
Etching
Le Grand Danois - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, 1767–1771 – Tom. V, Pl. XXVI (p. 300): Le Grand Danois Copper engraving depicting Le Grand Danois (Great Dane) standing in profile before an architectura...
Etching
Facial Expressions - Etching by Jacques de Sève - 1771
Located in Roma, IT
Buffon, Histoire Naturelle, Planche VIII (p. 536) Copper engraving depicting five studies of human facial expressions, each head shown in three-quarter view and numbered (Figs. 1–5)...
Etching
$3,793
Giuseppe Adora il Bambino sotto una Palma - Etching by G.D. Tiepolo
Located in Roma, IT
Black and white etching and burin on wire rod paper. Second and final state, after the numbering. Signed, numbered and dated on the lower left margin of plate. 19° plate from the ser...
Etching
La Sagrada Familia
Located in Miami, FL
José de Páez (1727-1790) Colonial Mexican painting from the 18th century. Conserved in excellent condition. "La Sagrada Familia" Oil on Copper 8 x 12 in ...
Copper
Le Crucifiement (The Crucifixion) - Etching by Jacques Callot - 1614/24
Located in Roma, IT
Etching realized by Jacques Callot in 1619-24. Second state on two. Fair condition, with top corners missing.
Etching
Sketch of a Man in Profile
Located in London, GB
Sketch of a Man in Profile 17th Century French School Ink on paper Image Size: 10 1/2 x 7 inches (26.5 x 17.5 cm) Framed Provenance The estate of Joseph McCrindle Christies Old Masters and British Pictures and Old Master Drawings Sale 12th December 2008 This highly worked picture shows us a man depicted in profile is seen interacting with a scene that extends beyond the boundaries of the paper's composition, the pen strokes intricately portraying the man's face, rendering a detailed, textured complexion. He points his left hand out to something in the distance, with a look of almost alarm. The artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-64) did a series of oriental head studies. The exotic headgear that he wears and this type of oriental head studies, had its principal source was of course Rembrandt, who etched many similar heads during the 1630s. In the seventeenth-century Western European imagination, the turbaned figure represented the epitome of alterity: the Ottoman Turk. Ottoman costume...
Paper, Ink