Artwork
Sickness (La Maladie)
Sickness (La Maladie) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sickness (La Maladie) is an etching and aquatint print created by Albert Besnard in 1884 on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a somber scene: a sick individual lies in bed in a dimly lit, austere room. Outside, two figures are visible, one holding a lantern on a ladder and another observing from against the wall, adding to the sense of isolation and quiet concern.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed fine lines and texture to convey the roughness of the bed and the heaviness of the blankets, creating a tense, still atmosphere. The use of etching and aquatint allowed for deep, detailed tones, enhancing the overall mood of the scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Greeting Grandmother (Le Bonjour à la Grand-mère)
Birth Announcement for Anne-Élisabeth Besnard (Carte de naissance d'Anne-Élisabeth Besnard)
Greeting Grandmother (Le Bonjour à la Grand-mère)
The End (La Fin de Tout)
The End
Greeting Grandmother (Le Bonjour à la Grand-mère)
The Hearth (Le foyer)
Greeting Grandmother (Le Bonjour à la Grand-mère)
Greeting Grandmother (Le Bonjour à la Grand-mère)