Artwork
Getting Up (Le lever)
Getting Up (Le lever) is an ink print by Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albert Besnard’s print Getting Up (Le lever) is an etching executed on wove paper in 1913. The work presents a solitary figure seated on a bed, partially clothed, with her back turned toward the viewer. A second, upright presence hovers above her, suggesting assistance with the woman’s attire. The composition captures a fleeting, intimate moment through its compact format and limited palette.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays a woman in a private, transitional state, her loose hair and half‑undressed form indicating a moment of vulnerability. The upward gesture toward the standing figure implies a collaborative act—perhaps a servant or companion helping her dress—highlighting themes of dependence and the quotidian rituals of personal care.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed drypoint, a variant of intaglio printmaking, in which a needle directly incises lines into a metal plate. This method yields richly textured, burr‑laden strokes that appear rough and spontaneous on the final paper. The uneven, scratchy lines convey immediacy, reinforcing the impression of a quickly rendered sketch rather than a polished finish.
History & Provenance
Created in the pre‑World War I period, Getting Up reflects Besnard’s exploration of everyday subjects through print media. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been documented in catalogues of early 20th‑century French prints and is cited in scholarly surveys of Besnard’s lesser‑known graphic output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Going to Bed (Le coucher)
Going to Bed (Le coucher)
The Murder (Le Meurtre)
Susanna im Bade (Susanna in the Bath)
Le repos du modèle (4e planche) (The Model's Rest) (fourth plate)
The Toilette (La toilette)
Misery (La Misère)
Joseph und Potiphars Weib I (Joseph and Potiphar's Wife I)
Two Girls
The Toilette
La Toilette
Getting Up (Le lever)