Artwork

The Orgy (L'orgie)

The Orgy (L'orgie), by Albert Besnard, ink, 1900
The Orgy (L'orgie), by Albert Besnard, ink, 1900

The Orgy (L'orgie) is an ink print by Albert Besnard. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:below platemark, center in graphite: ABesnard; lower left in plate: AB
Markings
Marked:None.

About this work

Overview

The Orgy (L'orgie) is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1900 on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic crowd of figures entangled in dark, swirling lines, with faces variously visible, hidden, or averted, conveying a sense of turmoil.

Technique & Style

Besnard employed drypoint to achieve deep, textured marks, evident in the thick, scratchy lines that imbue the image with a sense of rough, urgent energy.

Context

As an etching, The Orgy reflects Besnard's use of printmaking techniques characteristic of his time, involving the incision of a metal plate to produce the printed image.

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 Orgy (L'orgie)?

The Orgy (L'orgie) was painted by Albert Besnard in 1900.

Where can I see The Orgy (L'orgie)?

The Orgy (L'orgie) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Orgy (L'orgie)?

Museum-quality prints of The Orgy (L'orgie) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.