Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (La Reine Élisabeth de Belgique)
1917
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1917
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching presents a portrait of a woman, likely Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, with a subtle, introspective expression. Her dark hair is styled in a low bun, and she wears a dark dress adorned with a high neckline and long sleeves. The background of the image is a deep, rich brown. The subject's gaze is directed slightly downward, and her facial features are rendered with delicate lines and subtle shading. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the subject is lost in thought. The use of etching and drypoint techniques adds a sense of depth and texture to the image, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face and clothing. For more information on the artist behind this work, look up Besnard, Albert.