Last Ballad (Ultime ballade)
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a lone figure in a wide-brimmed hat and coat, walking away from us on a city street. Behind them, a wrought-iron fence lines a building with tall windows, and a horse-drawn carriage sits empty in the foreground. The scene feels quiet, almost like a moment frozen in time. The artist used bold, flat shapes and strong contrasts to create this image. It’s not a detailed sketch but more like a bold outline, which makes the scene feel sharp and modern for its time. Next, check out lithography to see how this print was made.