Woman with a Harp 1906

Albert Belleroche made this lithograph, Woman with a Harp, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. I love the subtle tonal variations, achieved just by layering tiny strokes of black ink. It reminds me that artmaking is often about slowly building something from the ground up, stroke by stroke. If you look closely, you can see how Belleroche used a variety of marks to create different textures and effects. Notice the dense, almost scribbled lines in the background, compared to the softer, more delicate strokes used to render the woman's face and dress. The way he captures light is amazing! See how the light seems to be radiating from the woman's face and body, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. The way that Belleroche has used a similar tonal range to Whistler reminds me that printmaking, like all forms of art, is an ongoing dialogue between artists across generations, as they develop new ways of seeing. Ultimately, this piece shows us how to find beauty in the unexpected.