Artwork
Possession (La possession)
Possession (La possession) 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
Possession (La possession) is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1900 on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a woman bending over a child, her body twisted in an awkward pose. The title Possession suggests a deeper emotional or psychological dynamic, but the image remains ambiguous.
Technique & Style
The etching features a dense, textured surface achieved through a scratchy, layered technique. The artist's use of wild, tangled lines creates a sense of urgency and energy.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Love Consecrated (Elle consacre l'amour)
Punctual (Ponctuelle)
Charitable
Misery (La Misère)
Le repos du modèle (4e planche) (The Model's Rest) (fourth plate)
Capital Punishment: The Pain of Death (Todesstrafe: La peine de mort)
Misery (La Misère)
Importunate (Importune)
The Murder (Le Meurtre)
The Orgy (L'orgie)
The Warning (L'avertissement)
The Duel (Le duel)