Bretonse oude vrouw met kap before 1914

Charles Cottet made this drypoint etching of a Breton old woman with a hood, but no one seems to know exactly when. What hits me first is the radiating energy of the lines, especially on her dark clothing. It feels like she's not just sitting there, but almost vibrating with life. You can practically feel the scratch of the needle on the plate. The lines aren't just describing form; they're building an atmosphere, a sense of quiet dignity. Look at the way he etches the light on her face—so delicate and tender. It's a stark contrast to the almost brutal strokes of her hood, but somehow, they balance each other out. You can see in this that making art is an ongoing conversation about the play between light and dark, softness and hardness. It reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker's portraits. Maybe it will remind you of someone else.