Artwork
The Duel (Le duel)
The Duel (Le duel) 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
Albert Besnard’s 1900 etching, titled *The Duel (Le duel)*, presents a brief, dynamic scene rendered on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper. The composition captures a moment of confrontation between two figures in an open landscape, rendered with swift, sketch‑like lines that convey immediacy and tension.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts two men facing each other: one clutching a hat and a cane, the other barefoot and holding a stick, suggesting a challenge or impending conflict. A dog lies nearby, its gaze turned away, adding a quiet counterpoint to the charged atmosphere of the duel.
Technique & Style
Besnard employs rapid, overlapping strokes that emphasize movement and emotional intensity. The etching’s rough paper texture and the loose, swirling background lines evoke wind through trees, reinforcing the sense of urgency and an unfinished, raw quality typical of his sketchy approach.
History & Provenance
Created at the turn of the twentieth century, the print reflects Besnard’s early exploration of narrative scenes. It was produced on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper, a material favored for its durability and fine grain, allowing the artist’s quick lines to retain clarity.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
