Bust 1916

Anders Zorn made this etching of a bust in 1916, and what strikes me is how modern it feels! There's an amazing simplicity to his mark-making and this creates a sense of movement. The texture feels almost sculptural. The lines vary in thickness and direction, describing not just the form of the woman, but also the light as it falls across her. Look at the background, how it is built up through dense hatching, a web of interwoven lines. This contrasts with the lighter treatment of the figure's skin, yet the overall effect is cohesive and unified. I am reminded of other artists such as Käthe Kollwitz, whose prints share a similar expressive intensity. Art is always in conversation, and this piece embraces that beautifully. Zorn invites us to linger, to let our gaze wander, and to find our own meanings in the ebb and flow of the lines.