Artwork

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette)

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette), by Albert Besnard, ink, 1901
The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette), by Albert Besnard, ink, 1901

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette) is an ink print by Albert Besnard. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: AB; lower left to lower center below image in graphite: Tirage d'artiste à 50; lower right below image in graphite: ABesnard; by later hand, lower center in graphite: Le Turban (ou l'aigrette); by later hand, lower right in graphite: C5[4] / 3rd st …
Markings
Marked:None.

About this work

Overview

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette) is a print created by Albert Besnard in 1901, executed in etching and drypoint on wove paper. It depicts a reclining female figure with her back turned, distinguished by a prominently featured hat adorned with feathers.

Subject & Meaning

The subject's face remains obscured, with attention focused on the eponymous feathered turban, which serves as the primary visual and titular element. The composition emphasizes the figure's pose and the textures of the turban, suggesting a focus on the play of light, shadow, and materiality.

Technique & Style

Besnard employed etching and drypoint techniques to achieve a range of expressive lines and deep, textured marks. The rough, scratchy lines around the body and background contrast with the detailed rendering of feathers and skin, highlighting the artist's mastery of these printmaking methods.

History & Provenance

Created in 1901, specific details regarding the print's provenance and exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

Understanding the techniques used (etching, drypoint, and potentially aquatint for tonal variations) provides insight into how Besnard achieved the detailed, textured effects seen in The Feathered Turban.

Legacy

The print's impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements or Besnard's broader oeuvre is not specified in the given context.

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette)
The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette), Albert Besnard

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette)?

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette) was painted by Albert Besnard in 1901.

Where can I see The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette)?

The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette)?

Museum-quality prints of The Feathered Turban (Le turban à aigrette) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.