A Man Etching - Self-Portrait 1917

Augustus John created this self-portrait etching using fine lines and subtle shading. The artist's gaze is intense, almost confrontational, capturing a sense of self-awareness. Consider how John uses line to define the forms. The hat, beard, and features are rendered with a network of etched lines, creating a rich texture. The density of lines shifts to create areas of shadow and depth. The etching's monochromatic palette reinforces the linear emphasis. This is a play between light and dark, presence and absence. The composition is structured around the artist's face. It emphasizes the eyes as the focal point. The use of etching as a medium speaks to a desire for precision and control, yet the lines retain a sense of immediacy and expressiveness. This tension between control and spontaneity invites us to reflect on the nature of artistic creation and the artist's self-perception.