Artwork
Importunate (Importune)
Importunate (Importune) is an ink print by Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albert Besnard’s 1900 print Importunate (Importune) is executed in black etching and aquatint on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper. The work presents a nocturnal interior where a seated woman in a loose dress faces away, while a starkly rendered skeletal figure stands opposite, holding a staff. The composition is dominated by chiaroscuro, with deep shadows punctuated by the bright outline of the bones.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of a living female figure and a naked skeleton suggests a dialogue between vitality and mortality. The woman’s turned back and relaxed posture contrast with the rigid, anatomical precision of the corpse, evoking themes of impermanence, the intrusion of death into everyday life, and perhaps a silent plea for attention.
Technique & Style
Besnard combines traditional etching with aquatint to achieve a range of tonal values. Fine, incised lines define the skeletal ribs, while broader aquatint washes create the enveloping darkness of the surrounding space. The use of Van Gelder Zonen wove paper provides a smooth surface that enhances the crispness of the bone outlines against the softer, less detailed figure of the woman.
Context
Created at the turn of the twentieth century, the print reflects contemporary Symbolist interests in the macabre and the psychological. Besnard, known primarily for his paintings, explored printmaking as a means to investigate stark contrasts and allegorical subjects, aligning his work with other artists who used the medium to probe existential concerns.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
After the Visit (Après sa visite)
Which One? (Lequel?)
The Warning (L'avertissement)
Punctual (Ponctuelle)
On the Lookout (Aux aguets)
Possession (La possession)
The Orgy (L'orgie)
Discreet (Discrète)
The Duel (Le duel)
Et celui qui était monté dessus se nommait la Mort (And his name that sat on him was Death)
Love Consecrated (Elle consacre l'amour)
The Mystery (Le mystère)