Queen Elisabeth of Belgium 1917

Paul-Albert Besnard's 1917 etching, "Queen Elisabeth of Belgium", depicts the Queen's likeness in a simple, yet powerful portrait. Created during World War I, the work displays a heightened realism, emphasizing the lines and textures of the Queen's face. Besnard's use of hatching and cross-hatching in the etching technique, combined with the somber tones, lend a sense of seriousness and gravitas to the piece, reflecting the turbulent times of its creation. The artist's signature appears in the lower right corner of the work. Besnard, known for his elegant portraits and figure paintings, captured the Queen's likeness with a sensitive touch, providing viewers with a glimpse into the personality of the figure.