Musician (Musicienne)
1900
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1900
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Musician (Musicienne) is a 1900 ink by Paul-Albert Besnard, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two figures in a wild, tangled scene. One person kneels, holding a harp-like instrument, while the other stands behind them, arms raised as if playing or conducting. The lines are loose and scratchy, almost like quick notes on paper—trees, feathers, and fabric all blur together in a storm of marks. The artist used a technique called drypoint, where sharp tools scratch directly into the metal plate, leaving a rough texture that holds ink for a grainy, expressive line. It’s like the drawing was made in one fast, urgent motion. Next, look up etching to see how it works.
