The Serving Maid Possibly 1991

Augustus John made this etching, *The Serving Maid*, probably in the early 20th century. Look at the economy of line; he is getting so much with so little. You can see how the etched marks build up tone and volume. It's all about the relationships between light and dark. The texture in her curly hair is incredible. See how the density of lines creates a sense of depth and mass, while the lighter areas suggest highlights and form? I always love seeing how an artist captures the essence of their subject using just a few well-placed lines. It's a reminder that art is about suggestion and interpretation, not just replication. The way the collar is rendered with the vertical marks contrasts with the more organic marks of the face and hair. John reminds me a little of Lucian Freud, but more romantic, maybe. Both artists demonstrate how the simple act of mark-making can be a powerful tool for exploring human experience.