Head of a girl 1914

This is Jan Mankes' etching, Head of a Girl, and it just whispers with quiet observation. It’s all about the process, isn’t it? Look at how the marks build up, delicate lines creating form, shadow, and a whole mood. The way the face emerges from the dark ground reminds me that artmaking is a kind of alchemy. I am drawn to the hatching on her face that creates the shading. It’s almost like Mankes is feeling his way around the form. It is a very subtle way of creating a portrait and creates a gentle atmosphere. The overall effect is intimate, like a secret shared between the artist and the viewer. Munch comes to mind, with his psychologically charged portraits. But where Munch is raw, Mankes is tender. It's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, each artist adding their voice to the mix.