Belgian Border, Bill of Disorder (Frontiere de Belgique. Billet a Desordre)
1871
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1871
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a chaotic scene with a lion labeled "Belgicus Leo" being toppled by a wild mix of figures. One person is swinging a hammer at a sign that says "Frontiere," while others scramble around. The top half has three blurry, smudged faces that look like they’re shouting or laughing. The lion’s name and the word "Frontiere" hint at a political joke—likely mocking borders or power struggles. The messy lines and rough shading make it feel fast and angry, not polished. If this style intrigues you, look up etching to see how artists create prints like this.
![Sheet of Studies with the Drunken Pan and Nymphs [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/7da29549b59c490a/thumb.webp)
