Who painted The Suicide (Le Suicide)?

The Suicide (Le Suicide) was painted by Albert Besnard in 1886.

Where can I see The Suicide (Le Suicide)?

The Suicide (Le Suicide) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Suicide (Le Suicide)?

The Suicide (Le Suicide) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Suicide (Le Suicide)?

Museum-quality prints of The Suicide (Le Suicide) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Suicide (Le Suicide)

Albert Besnard , 1886

The Suicide (Le Suicide) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Albert Besnard. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in graphite: ABesnard; lower left in graphite: Tiree a 100; by later hand, lower center in graphite: -BUS-; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: 52-1
Markings: Marked:None.

About this work

Overview

Albert Besnard’s print titled Le Suicide, executed around 1886, presents a nocturnal urban scene rendered in etching, drypoint, and printed tone on laid paper. The composition centers on a solitary figure leaning over a wall, looking down onto a street illuminated by distant lamps and a passing horse‑drawn carriage. The work’s muted palette and atmospheric lighting convey a somber mood.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, clothed in dark garments, appears poised on a wall, suggesting contemplation of self‑destruction, as implied by the title. Below, the bustling city continues unaware, its streetlights and carriage offering a stark contrast between private despair and public activity. The juxtaposition invites reflection on isolation within modern urban life.

Technique & Style

Besnard combined traditional etching with drypoint, allowing for fine lines and rich, velvety blacks that enhance the night atmosphere. The printed tone on laid paper adds subtle texture, while the lighter rendering of the wall creates depth. Though not strictly Impressionist, the emphasis on fleeting light and atmospheric effects aligns the work with that movement’s aesthetic concerns.

Context

Created in the late nineteenth century, Le Suicide emerges during a period when printmaking was increasingly employed to explore contemporary social themes. Besnard, known primarily for his paintings, applied his painterly sensibility to the graphic medium, contributing to the era’s broader interest in urban subject matter and psychological narrative.