Elle

Elle, Series I. [1900-1901, printed in 1921]

Elle, [1901-1901, printed in 1921] (digitized version)

Physical Description: 26 prints : etchings and aquatints on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; sheets 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Elle is a series of 26 prints in etching and aquatint on the theme of Death, executed by the French painter, pastellist, and printmaker Albert Besnard in 1900-1901. The series was commissioned by collector and patron Joseph Vitta, who limited the printing to two editions of 9 and 19 impressions. The present impressions are of the second edition, printed in 1921, before the copperplates were cancelled.

The collection was digitized. See http://hdl.handle.net/10020/2022pr18

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Exigeante (Too Demanding) 2022.PR.18-1

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

An elderly painter holding a palette in his right hand sits powerless before a blank canvas. Death, who wears a crown of leaves and stands behind him, whispers in his ears, leaning over the back of his chair.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

The print is also known as Le peintre et la Mort (The painter and Death).

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 119 ( Le peintre et la Mort); Delteil 131; IFF 62.

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Dans la foule (In the Crowd) 2022.PR.18-2

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Death faces the viewer, turning her back to the crowd in the background. She wears a frock coat and is smiling.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

The print is also known as La foule (The Crowd).

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 120 ( La foule); Delteil 132; IFF 62.

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L'accident (The Accident) 2022.PR.18-3

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A man lies inhert on the ground, as a crowd of onlookers approaches to help him. Death pushes them back, her skeleton arms spread across.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 121; Delteil 133; IFF 62.

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L'obstacle (The Obstacle) 2022.PR.18-4

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A man riding a horse in the countryside encounters Death on his path. A black bird flies to the right.

At lower center below the hand of Death, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 135; Delteil 134; IFF 62.

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Danger passé (Danger Passed) 2022.PR.18-5

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A man on a horse turns his head, noticing Death behind him, which he has just avoided.

At lower left, the artists' monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 122; Delteil 135; IFF 62.

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L'inconnue (The Unknown Woman) 2022.PR.18-6

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Dressed and disguised as a courtisan, Death attracts a man who follows her.

At lower left in the center, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 123; Delteil 135; IFF 62.

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L'importune (Importunate) 2022.PR.18-7

Physical Description: 1 print : etching and aquatint in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Death stands in a bedroom where a doctor is at a patient's bedside. The doctor pushes her aside.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

The print is also known as Le docteur (The Doctor).

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 124 ( Le docteur); Delteil 137; IFF 62.

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L'énigme (The Enigma) 2022.PR.18-8

Physical Description: 1 print : etching and aquatint in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom where a young woman lying in her bed awakens. Death stands at right in a dark corner of the room, fleeing the scene.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 125; Delteil 138; IFF 62.

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Le mystère (The Mystery) 2022.PR.18-9

Physical Description: 1 print : etching and aquatint in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom where a woman lies on a bed in disarray. Lit up by the moon seen through a window, Death stands with a menacing scythe.

At lower left, the artist's monogram barely visible: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 126; Delteil 139; IFF 62.

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Après sa visite (After the Visit) 2022.PR.18-10

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Death in the form of a skeleton walks away turning her head towards a man and a woman who are crying, holding their head in despair.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 127; Delteil 140; IFF 62.

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Ponctuelle (Punctual) 2022.PR.18-11

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom where a man lies in his bed. Death approaches him and grabs him by the throat, while looking up towards a clock.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Arrangement

Bibliography: Coppier 128; Delteil 141; IFF 62.

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Aux aguets (On the Lookout) 2022.PR.18-12

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A young couple embraces in a field full of flowers, unaware of the presence of Death below who holds a menacing scythe.

At lower right, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 129; Delteil 142; IFF 62.

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Le coup de filet (The Haul) 2022.PR.18-13

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A figure lies inert on the sand before an ocean, while Death carries triumphantly a fishing net.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

The print is also known as La pêche.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 130; Delteil 143; IFF 62.

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Musicienne (Musician) 2022.PR.18-14

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A young girl laments, seated with her head leaning on her hands, while Death plays the harp surrounded by crows.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 131; Delteil 144; IFF 62.

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Le vertige (Vertigo) 2022.PR.18-15

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place outdoors, where a man is about to fall down from a tower, Death lying below, eager to catch him.

At lower right below the feet of Death, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 132; Delteil 145; IFF 62.

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Lequel? (Which One?) 2022.PR.18-16

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A mother is seen holding two young children on her lap in front of a fireplace. Death enters the room and hesitates between the two children, as the title suggests, Lequel? (Which One?).

At upper left on the mantel of the fireplace, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 133; Delteil 146; IFF 62.

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La possession (Possession) 2022.PR.18-17

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom where two lovers are being separated by Death. Death pushes the man away with her foot and embraces the woman who is lying naked on the bed.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 134; Delteil 147; IFF 62.

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Discrète (Discreet) 2022.PR.18-18

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom where a woman lies in bed, asleep by a candle light and unaware of Death who steps away discreetly and silently.

At lower center on the sheets of the bed, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: Besnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 142; Delteil 148; IFF 62.

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Le duel (The Duel) 2022.PR.18-19

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A dualist falls into the arms of a witness, while on the right side of the composition, a doctor kneels on the ground, frantically searching through his medical utensils in a state of urgency. Death stands triumphantly with a sword in her right hand.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB. Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 137; Delteil 149; IFF 62.

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La présentation (The Presentation) 2022.PR.18-20

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A young woman curtsies before Death, who stands at left, disguised as the mistress of the house. The young woman is presented to Death by her mother before a crowd of onlookers.

At lower center below the dress of the young woman, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

The print is also known as Le monde.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 138; Delteil 150; IFF 62.

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L'orgie (The Orgy) 2022.PR.18-21

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Set against the backdrop of a nightime scene, the print features a nude woman being held by a crouching man. Her gaze is directed toward another man who is raising his glass cheerfully, suggesting a scene of uninhibited pleasure and debauched atmosphere. In the foreground, Death reclines joyfully in a rocking chair.

At lower left corner, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

The print is also known as La débauche.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 139; Delteil 152; IFF 62.

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Charitable 2022.PR.18-22

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a cottage in disarray, open to the cold wind on a snowy winter day. The atmosphere is one of desolation. A young woman lays on a straw bed, appearing very pale and frail, while Death embraces her, providing her a sense of relief and solace.

At lower left corner, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

The print is also known as La mort compatissante.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 140; Delteil 152; IFF 62.

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Coquette 2022.PR.18-23

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

The scene takes place in a bedroom. An ardent young man falls to his knees, pleading with Death who is disguised as a young elegantly dressed woman. The print's titles Coquette and Elle se refuse suggest that despite the young man's fervent appeal, Death refuses his pleas.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

The print is also known as Elle se refuse.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 141; Delteil 153; IFF 62.

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L'avertissement (The Warning) 2022.PR.18-24

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

A couple embraces on a bench in a garden in the shade of trees, while Death ominously appears, holding a scythe in her left hand.

At lower center, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 136; Delteil 154; IFF 62.

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Elle consacre l'amour (Love Consecrated) 2022.PR.18-25

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

In the scene, a couple that was embracing finds refuge under Death's protective cloak.

At lower left corner, the artist's monogram: AB. Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 143; Delteil 155; IFF 62.

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Indifférente (Indifferent) 2022.PR.18-26

Physical Description: 1 print : etching in black ink on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper ; plate 14 x 11 cm, sheet 45.1 x 32.1 cm.

Scope and Contents

Death is depicted as a ruthless force, trampling over the body of a man who lies on the ground in the middle of a country road.

At lower left, the artist's monogram: AB.

Signed by the artist in graphite at lower right below the image: ABesnard.

Bibliography

Bibliography: Coppier 144; Delteil 156; IFF 62.