Artwork
Going to Bed (Le coucher)
Going to Bed (Le coucher) 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
Going to Bed (Le coucher) is an etching on green laid paper by Albert Besnard, dated to 1913. The print depicts a intimate scene of three women in a disordered, recumbent pose.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the etching is three women entwined in a tangled heap of bedding, their faces oriented towards one another amidst the disarray of their bodies. The emotional tone and specific narrative intent behind the scene are left ambiguous by the artist.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed sharp, scratchy lines to achieve a textured effect, notably in the rendering of blankets that resemble fur. The dark, scribbled background contrasts with the green-tinted paper, an unusual choice for etchings of this period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1913, specific details regarding the etching's exhibition history, ownership, or production context are not provided in the available information.
Context
Understanding the etching technique (involving engraving on a metal plate coated with wax, then transferring the image to paper) provides insight into the artistic process behind 'Going to Bed'. The green paper adds a distinctive visual layer to the work.
Legacy
The lasting impact or influence of 'Going to Bed' on subsequent artistic movements or Besnard's oeuvre is not specified in the provided details.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
