
Read the visual description
The image shows the upper half of a person's body, including the head and upper torso. The person is seated and turned slightly to the side, looking over their shoulder directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. They have distinct facial features with a broad nose and are depicted with shoulder-length, wavy hair that peeks out from under a large, elaborate hat. The hat appears to be adorned with feathers and a decorative band. The individual is dressed in a finely detailed garment featuring puffed sleeves and intricate embroidery or trimming along the neckline. Surrounding them is another person, positioned slightly behind and to the side, wearing a draped hood that frames their face. There are also several other figures in the background, some wearing similar attire with headdresses. The setting appears to be an interior or a balcony-like space with architectural elements, such as columns and a railing, visible in the background. The entire composition is rendered in a detailed, line-based style typical of woodcuts or engravings of the period.
National Gallery of Art · Print
A Young Man Playing a Psalterium
Christoffel van Sichem I after Hendrik Goltzius
- Date
- c. 1600
- Medium
- woodcut on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet (trimmed to borderline): 30.8 x 21.6 cm (12 1/8 x 8 1/2 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1994.60.60
- Credit line
- Gift of Ruth B. Benedict
- Time span
- 1551 to 1600
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- amusement
- genre
- Netherlandish
- woodcut
- Music
Provenance
G. Storck (1766-1836), Milan (Lugt 2319)[1]; Dr. Ruth B. Benedict (1913-1993), Washington; bequest to NGA, 1994. [1] in pen on verso of print: G. Storck a Milano 1798 / In. No. 825
Inscription
upper left in block: HG / CVSichem. / Scalp. et. / excub.; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 17 (twice); by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: DTMMLHAX; by later hands, lower left verso in graphite: P / No 4 / A20286
Watermarks
present but not identified
NGA object ID 75722. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.