Two Women Bathing at Water's Edge, from Revue Fantaisiste 1861

Rodolphe Bresdin's "Two Women Bathing at Water's Edge, from Revue Fantaisiste" (1861) is a masterful example of the artist's distinctive style. This etching, part of the "Revue Fantaisiste" series, showcases Bresdin's intricate detail, capturing the natural world in a swirling, almost hallucinatory manner. The figures, depicted as women bathing, are rendered with a blend of realism and fantastical elements. The composition is dominated by a large, gnarled tree, its branches reaching out like skeletal arms, creating a sense of mystery and unease. The densely etched details of the foliage and landscape contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere of the work. Bresdin's signature and date, meticulously etched in the lower right corner, add a personal touch to this captivating etching.