Artwork
The Silk Gown (La robe de soie)
The Silk Gown (La robe de soie) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Silk Gown (La robe de soie) is an 1887 etching and drypoint print by Albert Besnard, depicting a seated woman enveloped in a fur coat, cradling a small dog.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a woman with a subtle smile, is portrayed in a moment of quiet intimacy with her pet, set against a subdued, vaguely defined interior with hints of a lamp and window.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed a rough, expressive etching and drypoint technique to achieve tactile textures, notably the three-dimensional appearance of the fur coat, emphasizing the print's haptic quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1887, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects late 19th-century printmaking innovations, where artists like Besnard leveraged etching and drypoint for nuanced, high-texture compositions, often capturing everyday, intimate scenes.
Legacy
The Silk Gown contributes to the broader recognition of Besnard's skill in capturing subtle, domestic moments through innovative printmaking techniques, though its individual impact within his oeuvre is not detailed here.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
