The Obstacle (L'obstacle)
1900
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1900
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Obstacle (L'obstacle) is a 1900 ink by Paul-Albert Besnard, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two people tangled in a messy heap of lines and marks. The figures are blurred, with one wearing a hat and the other’s face barely visible. The background is just swirling strokes—no clear shapes, just a chaotic mix of black and white. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes to show movement, almost like scribbling. The paper looks old, with some smudges and rough edges. Try looking up etching to see how artists like this make prints with acid and metal plates.
