Kop van een grijsaard - David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville

A refined lithograph portrait of an elderly man by Dutch artist David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville, showcasing early nineteenth-century printmaking techniques.

This lithograph, titled Kop van een grijsaard (Head of an Old Man), is a work by the Dutch artist David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville. The image depicts the profile of an elderly man, his features rendered with precise, rhythmic lines that define the texture of his beard and the contours of his face. The subject wears a simple head covering, which frames the face and directs the viewer's attention to the expression of the sitter. The artist employs a limited palette, using warm, earthy tones to provide depth and contrast against the stark white of the paper.

Humbert de Superville was a polymath, known for his interest in the scientific study of art and the psychological impact of lines and forms. His work often reflects a fascination with the structural elements of human expression. This print demonstrates his technical proficiency in the medium of lithography, which was still in its early stages of development during his career. The inscription at the bottom of the sheet, written by the artist, notes the experimental nature of the print, referring to it as a proof of a lithograph with colour. The composition is contained within a rectangular border, maintaining a formal, classical structure that aligns with the artistic sensibilities of the early nineteenth century. The focus remains on the character of the individual, captured through careful observation and a disciplined approach to draughtsmanship. This piece offers a glimpse into the artist's process and his exploration of printmaking techniques, providing a clear example of his aesthetic priorities and his ability to convey human emotion through minimal visual means.