The Bed-Stool 1914

Anders Zorn made "The Bed-Stool" using etching, and it’s a fascinating peep into a private moment. The approach to mark-making is almost scribbly, building up tone with these energetic little lines, like he’s sketching with acid on the plate. You can feel Zorn thinking through the process, a kind of searching. Look closely at the way Zorn renders the figure's flesh. It's not smooth or idealized; there's a real weight and presence to it. See how the lines around her arm and torso create volume and dimension. The texture feels almost palpable. The background is more loosely defined, suggesting a space rather than depicting it in detail. Zorn reminds me a little of James McNeill Whistler, especially in his use of suggestive, rather than descriptive line. Like with all good art, this print leaves space for us to fill in the blanks, inviting us to complete the story.