1926
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
By the Lamp (Sous la Lampe) is a 1926 ink by Paul-Albert Besnard, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a person sitting in a chair, reading or writing by dim light. The face is blurred, but you can see their hands holding something flat—maybe a book or paper. A lamp with a tall stand casts a small pool of light on the table, while the rest of the room fades into rough, dark lines. The artist used quick, scratchy strokes to fill the background, making the scene feel restless. The focus stays on the hands and the light, like a quiet moment caught in motion. Look up etching to see how artists like this one create prints with needles and acid.
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
See the richer artist page
