William Butler Yeats: fifth plate 1907

This etching by Augustus John, completed in 1907, is a portrait of the famous Irish poet William Butler Yeats. John's distinctive style is on full display in this piece, which was created using a deep, rich black ink. Yeats is depicted in profile, looking downwards in contemplation. John's strong lines and expressive use of shading help to capture the essence of Yeats' personality. This is a prime example of John's work, where he uses line and form to represent not just physical appearances but a person's character and inner thoughts.