Artwork
Vertigo (Le vertige)
Vertigo (Le vertige) 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 right in plate: AB
- Markings
- Marked:None.
About this work
Overview
Albert Besnard’s print Vertigo (Le vertige), executed in 1900, is an etching on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper. The work presents a compact, dynamic composition in which two human figures occupy a chaotic space of swirling lines, suggesting instability and motion. The title reflects the unsettling atmosphere conveyed by the tangled background and the dramatic poses of the subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a fleeting moment of panic, aligning with the notion of vertigo as both physical and psychological dizziness.
The image depicts a figure leaning backward with arms outstretched, appearing on the brink of loss of balance, while a second figure crouches below, grasping a staff. The surrounding vortex of lines, reminiscent of trees, wind, or abstract turbulence, amplifies a sense of disorientation. The scene captures a fleeting moment of panic, aligning with the notion of vertigo as both physical and psychological dizziness.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed the etching process, incising sharp, scratchy lines into a metal plate before transferring the image onto wove paper. The aggressive line work creates a textured surface that conveys movement and tension. The contrast between the dense, swirling background and the clearer delineation of the figures heightens the visual instability central to the composition.
History & Provenance
Created at the turn of the twentieth century, Vertigo reflects Besnard’s interest in expressive printmaking during a period of experimentation with line and form. The work is catalogued as a print rather than a unique drawing, suggesting multiple impressions may exist. Specific ownership records are limited, but the piece is documented in museum collections that focus on early modern French graphic art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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