Cornelius Bega c. 1970

Leonard Baskin made this print of Cornelius Bega sometime in the 20th century. What strikes me first is the confident yet scratchy line work, it feels immediate, like a quick sketch but also so assured in its mark-making. Looking closer, the varied weight of the lines gives the image real depth. Notice the dense, almost scribbled lines used to define the hair and eyes, which contrasts with the lighter, more delicate lines used for the face. This reminds me of the way I build up layers in my paintings, letting the process be visible. The hat is simple and unadorned, a stark contrast to the face. Baskin’s work has this intensity, this urgency to capture the essence of his subjects. Think of artists like Kathe Kollwitz, who similarly used printmaking to convey deep emotion and a sense of human struggle. It's this raw honesty and expressive line that really makes Baskin's work stay with you.