Cardinal Mercier 1916

This is a portrait of Cardinal Mercier, a prominent figure in Belgian history, created by the French artist Paul-Albert Besnard in 1916. Besnard, renowned for his mastery of portraiture, utilizes a monochromatic palette and detailed etching techniques to capture the cardinal's likeness and a sense of his personality. The focus on the face, with its strong lines and expressive eyes, suggests the cardinal's intellect and conviction, making this an impactful and historically relevant piece.