Portrait of Madame de Nittis ("Attenzione")
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a woman in a dark hat, her face half-turned. Lines are soft but sharp in spots, like a whisper you almost hear. The artist used a mix of etching, drypoint and ink wash to get this velvety dark and light. You feel her presence even though it’s just ink on paper. The paper itself has a faint grid that peeks through, adding texture like fine lace. Try another De Nittis, Giuseppe next.
