Who painted Prostitution (La Prostitution)?

Prostitution (La Prostitution) was painted by Paul-Albert Besnard in 1886.

Where can I see Prostitution (La Prostitution)?

Prostitution (La Prostitution) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Prostitution (La Prostitution)?

Prostitution (La Prostitution) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Prostitution (La Prostitution)

Paul-Albert Besnard , 1886

Prostitution (La Prostitution) 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. Albert Besnard’s print titled *Prostitution* (La Prostitution), executed around 1886, is an etching and drypoint on laid Van Gelder paper.

About this work

Overview

Albert Besnard’s print titled *Prostitution* (La Prostitution), executed around 1886, is an etching and drypoint on laid Van Gelder paper. The work presents a compact interior scene rendered in monochrome, its atmosphere defined by stark contrasts of light and shadow. The composition is confined to a single sheet, emphasizing the intimate, confined space depicted.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a dimly lit room where a seated figure, illuminated partially by a lamp on a table, occupies the foreground. A second figure stands in the doorway, turned away, clutching a basket. The sparse setting and the title suggest a narrative linked to the social marginalization of sex work, inviting contemplation of anonymity and vulnerability within a concealed environment.

Technique & Style

Besnard employed both etching and drypoint on a laid Van Gelder paper, allowing for fine line work and rich tonal variation.

Besnard employed both etching and drypoint on a laid Van Gelder paper, allowing for fine line work and rich tonal variation. The etched lines define the architecture, while the drypoint’s burr creates softer, more expressive strokes, evident in the crisscrossed patterns on walls and floor. The limited illumination from the lamp is achieved through delicate hatching, producing a focused, half‑lit effect.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1886, the print belongs to Besnard’s early period, when he explored printmaking alongside painting. Although specific ownership records are scarce, the work has appeared in catalogues of 19th‑century French prints and is held in several public collections that focus on graphic arts of the era.