On the Lookout (Aux aguets)

1900

Albert Besnard

Associated Names
Albert Besnard

Artist, French, 1849 - 1934

A skeleton is depicted holding a scythe in the foreground, facing slightly to the left with its head up. Behind and above it, a couple is shown embracing, with their heads and upper bodies visible among tall grass. The man has a beard and short hair, while the woman has long hair. Their faces are sketched outlines. The figures seem to blend into their surroundings and are clothed in what appears to be simple attire. The skeleton is detailed to show bone structures and is not wearing clothes. The background features abstract swirling lines and natural elements like grass and plants. An artist's signature is present at the bottom right of the image.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bell, Cambridge, MA; gift to NGA, 1990.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1906

  • Delteil, Loys. Le peintre-graveur illustre. 31 vols. Paris: Published by the author, 1906-1926. Reprint. New York: Collectors Editions, Da Capo Press, 1969. Vol. 30 (Albert Besnard) is by Louis Godefroy.

Inscriptions

below platemark, center in graphite: ABesnard; lower right in plate: AB

Markings

None.

Watermarks

"VAN GELD[ER ZONEN]"

Wikidata ID

Q74885542

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