Untitled (Harlequins) 1918

This etching, Untitled (Harlequins), was made by Clarence K. Chatterton. The composition immediately draws you in with its network of fine, dark lines that bring to life a scene of figures in costume. The contrast between the light and shadow creates depth, yet there is a sense of flatness, typical of the print medium, where the characters seem pressed together within a shallow stage. Consider how the harlequin motif itself destabilizes fixed identities. Chatterton's use of line and form plays with the idea of appearances and reality, exploring how costume and performance can blur the boundaries between the self and the role one plays. The figures almost become signs, inviting us to interpret their masked intentions. Note how the cross-hatching technique forms the figures and adds to the overall mood, capturing a sense of mystery. Ultimately, this print is not just a representation of figures; it is an invitation to consider the artifice and performance inherent in representation.