Early American 1947

Walter Tittle etched this portrait, *Early American*, using delicate lines to bring this woman to life. I can imagine Tittle hunched over the plate, carefully etching each line, trying to capture her essence. Her face is so expressive, with wrinkles that tell a story of a life well-lived. I wonder what she was thinking as she sat for the portrait? Maybe she was reflecting on her past, or maybe she was just enjoying the moment. The way Tittle uses light and shadow is really striking. He captures the texture of her skin and clothing with such detail. I’m also struck by her hat, slightly aslant. It gives the portrait a jaunty feel. It reminds me of the portraits of Alice Neel, who was also interested in capturing the unique character of her subjects. Ultimately, this etching is a testament to the power of art to connect us to the past. It reminds us that even though time passes, the human spirit endures.