Jacques-Louis Forain 1923

Walter Tittle created this drypoint etching, Jacques-Louis Forain, in 1923. The composition centers on the figure of the seated man, his gaze directed to the right, constructed with a dense network of etched lines that define shape and shadow. The contrast between the darker, shadowed areas and the lighter, exposed portions gives the image depth. Tittle’s use of drypoint lends a particular texture to the image. Notice the velvety quality in the darker areas, achieved through the burr left by the drypoint needle. This burr traps ink, creating a soft, rich tone. The overall effect is one of immediacy and intimacy. The choice of drypoint over other printmaking methods speaks to an interest in directness and expressiveness. The lines appear spontaneous, yet controlled. Consider how the artist uses line not just to describe form, but to convey a sense of character and presence. It reflects a broader trend in early 20th-century portraiture.