Head of an Aged Woman

Head of an Aged Woman is a print created in 1765 by the German artist Johann Friedrich Bause, working after an original concept or composition by Rembrandt van Rijn. This classification as a reproductive print places the piece within a long tradition of utilizing etching techniques to disseminate the works of historical masters across Europe.

The work employs both etching and roulette on laid paper. Etching provides the essential structure and fine detailing for the facial contours and drapery, while the roulette, a tool that creates fine stippled textures, is used to build tonal gradations and replicate the effects of chiaroscuro characteristic of Rijn’s style. This technical combination allowed Bause to accurately convey the emotional depth and textural realism of the subject, highlighting the character study inherent in the depiction of advanced age.

Produced during the dynamic 1751 to 1775 period, the creation of this print within German culture reflects the enduring reverence for 17th-century Dutch art. By the mid-18th century, the proliferation of reproductive prints played a vital role in art education, ensuring that the legacy of masters like Rijn remained central to European artistic development.

Bause’s careful execution demonstrates his mastery in translating painting or drawing concepts into the demanding medium of intaglio printmaking. The resulting image focuses on the psychological depth and human vulnerability of the sitter. This particular piece is held in the comprehensive collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public an important example of 18th-century reproductive prints. Furthermore, its status as public domain artwork ensures continued accessibility for study and appreciation.