Goltzius 14Quis Hendrick Goltzius

The engraving presents a young man in profile, his gaze directed upwards and slightly to the left. He is adorned with an elaborate hat embellished with feathers, which frames his face and contributes significantly to the overall theatricality of the composition. The artist has rendered the hair with meticulous detail, utilizing dense cross-hatching to suggest volume and texture. A prominent feather is tucked into the collar of his garment, echoing the decorative elements on his headwear.
The young man’s expression conveys a sense of melancholy or introspection; his mouth is slightly open, suggesting a sigh or a moment of quiet contemplation. He rests one hand upon a skull positioned in the foreground, an object that immediately introduces themes of mortality and transience. The skulls stark whiteness contrasts with the darker tones of the figure’s skin and clothing, drawing immediate attention to its symbolic weight.
The background is densely populated with architectural elements and foliage, rendered through fine lines and intricate shading. A partially visible inscription on a tablet affixed to a wall adds another layer of complexity; while the text itself remains illegible, it implies an intellectual or literary context for the scene. The inclusion of tulips, emerging from a window niche, introduces a subtle element of beauty and fragility amidst the pervasive atmosphere of reflection on death.
The composition’s dramatic lighting – a strong light source illuminating the figures face while leaving portions of his body in shadow – heightens the emotional intensity. This chiaroscuro effect emphasizes the young man’s features and directs the viewer’s attention to his expression, reinforcing the sense of inwardness and quiet sorrow. The overall impression is one of a carefully staged moment, inviting contemplation on themes of youth, beauty, mortality, and perhaps even the fleeting nature of fame or artistic achievement.