Artwork

Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe)

Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe), by Paul-Albert Besnard, ink, 1886
Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe), by Paul-Albert Besnard, ink, 1886

Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Nude Holding Her Leg is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1886 on wove paper.

About this work

Overview

Nude Holding Her Leg is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1886 on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a nude woman with her back and arm visible, bent forward as she grasps her leg. The figure is rendered in a loose, gestural style, with an emphasis on capturing movement and texture.

Technique & Style

The etching combines drypoint and etching techniques. Drypoint was used to create fine, fuzzy lines by scratching directly into the metal plate, while etching added texture and detail. The result is a print with expressive, web-like lines and a grainy texture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul-Albert Besnard

Artist

Paul-Albert Besnard

Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.