Zelfportret achter een ezel c. 1910 - 1925

Auguste Brouet made this self-portrait behind an easel using etching, and to me, the magic is in the lines. Look closely, and you'll see how Brouet's marks aren't just outlines; they're like tiny threads weaving a story. The way he scratches those lines to form his face and clothes—it's raw, it's honest. I feel like I can see him thinking, feeling tired maybe. It’s the kind of drawing where you sense the artist’s hand moving, almost like a dance. The real kicker is how he uses the white space to his advantage. It's not just background; it’s like the air around him, giving him space to breathe, to be. This reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker's prints. It’s like these artists are saying, hey, art isn’t just about what you put in, but also what you leave out. You know?