Three Score and Ten

Art Historical Context

**Three Score and Ten** a poignant etching by American printmaker Arthur William Heintman, created in 1919. 26.67 × 21.59 cm, this intimate work draws its title from Psalm 90:10 in the Bible, referring to the biblical human lifespan of "threescore years and"—or 70 years. Produced shortly after World War I, reflects the era's contemplation of time, mortality, and resilience amid global upheaval, capturing a moment of quiet reflection on the human journey. Heintzelman, a master etcher renowned for his meticulous technique and Rembrandt-inspired realism, excelled in the early 20th-century revival of printmaking. Etching, an intaglio process where acid bites into a metal plate to create fine lines and rich tonal gradations, allowed him to achieve subtle textures and emotional depth. This piece, part of the esteemed Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art, exemplifies his skill in portraiture, likely portraying an elder figure with dignity and introspection. Housed in the museum's print department (CG-W), **Three Score and Ten** invites visitors to ponder life's fleeting stages. Its preservation in such a prestigious collection underscores Heintzelman's enduring contribution to American graphic arts, blending technical precision with profound humanism. (198 words)