Old Postillion 1920

Francis Dodd made this etching called Old Postillion sometime in the early 20th century. The controlled, almost scientific hatching feels like a way of seeing, a kind of careful, considered looking that turns into a physical record. The materiality of the lines is interesting. Dodd’s marks build volume and shadow with such precision. The Old Postillion’s clasped hands are a good example; each line varies in weight and direction, creating a complex topography of wrinkles and folds. Looking closely, you can see how the lines almost vibrate, giving the hands a sense of weight. Dodd’s approach reminds me a bit of Holbein, who was able to bring an incredible sense of realism through line alone. Both artists invite a deeper engagement with the process of looking, making us aware of how perception itself can be a form of construction. It’s a reminder that art isn't about fixed meanings, but about the ongoing conversation between the artist, the artwork, and you, the viewer.