Artwork
Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (La Reine Élisabeth de Belgique)
Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (La Reine Élisabeth de Belgique) is an ink print by Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Albert Besnard’s 1917 print titled "Queen Elisabeth of Belgium" presents a tightly cropped view of the monarch’s face and neck.
About this work
Overview
Albert Besnard’s 1917 print titled "Queen Elisabeth of Belgium" presents a tightly cropped view of the monarch’s face and neck. Rendered in black line work on a light‑toned laid paper, the image emphasizes the contours of the queen’s features, her hair pulled back, and a composed, serious expression.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Queen Elisabeth as a figure of authority and poise, focusing on her visage rather than regal regalia. By isolating the face, Besnard underscores the personal dignity of the queen, allowing viewers to engage directly with her gaze and the subtle nuances of her expression.
Technique & Style
Besnard combined etching, drypoint, and printed tone, employing thick, textured lines that give the surface a carved appearance. Multiple ink layers build tonal depth, producing a rough, almost sculptural quality that distinguishes the print from conventional flat drawings.
History & Provenance
Created amid World War I, the work reflects the period’s heightened interest in national symbols. The print was produced on laid paper, a common support for fine prints of the era, and has been held in several European collections dedicated to early 20th‑century graphic art.
Context
During the 1910s, portraiture in print media served both documentary and propagandistic purposes. Besnard’s choice of medium aligns with contemporary practices that favored reproducibility while maintaining artistic nuance, situating the piece within the broader trend of wartime visual representation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
