Artwork
A Martyr (Un martyre)
A Martyr (Un martyre) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Martyr (Un martyre) is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1883 on Canson & Mongolfier laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts two figures in a forest with blurred faces and raised hands, conveying a sense of pain or prayer. The surrounding trees have tangled, sharp branches, contributing to a heavy and urgent atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The image was created using etching, a technique that involves scratching lines into metal plates. The textured appearance of the paper suggests that this is an early impression, likely one of the first prints made from the plate.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
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Untitled
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A Wounded Soldier and His Comrade
The Parable of the Sower (Le Semeur de Paraboles)
Love Consecrated (Elle consacre l'amour)
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Die Opferung Isaacs (The Sacrifice of Isaac)
Three Veiled Women (Trois femmes voilées)