The Besnard Family, 1890
Albert Besnardexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
Bequest of Mrs. Charles S. Pillsburyexpand_more P.12,631
Not on Viewexpand_more
Charlotte Besnard (lower left) is shown with her children Germaine, age six, Robert, age nine, and Philippe, age four. Baby Jean, born exactly a year before this print was published, is not included. The right side of the printing plate was damaged by “foul biting,” a common accident. Unintended areas get eaten away while the plate is being etched in an acid bath. This accounts for the dark shadows on Philippe’s face. To compensate, Besnard altered the composition, distancing Philippe slightly from the group and enclosing him in a space in the background.
Details
- Title
- The Besnard Family
- Artist Life
- Paris 1849–Paris 1934
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.12,631
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Godefroy 94 ii/ii, Coppier 80 Couppier 80
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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