The End (La Fin de Tout)

1883

Albert Besnard

Associated Names
Albert Besnard

Artist, French, 1849 - 1934

The image depicts three figures in an interaction. One figure is lying in a reclined position on a bed, their head supported by a cushion. Another figure is standing beside them, leaning over with a gentle posture. The reclining figure has a relaxed facial expression and long, dark hair, with closed eyes. The standing figure wears a draped cloak, partially covering their head and their hands rest on the reclining figure's arm. Surrounding them are additional figures—one seated at the foot of the bed with a downcast face, while another stands holding an object. The room is dimly lit with a simple wall, and a candle illuminates the scene from above, creating intricate light and shadow patterns. The figures are dressed in simple, flowing garments, enhancing the somber and tranquil atmosphere of the setting.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1991

  • Art for the Nation: Gifts in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1991, 226-227, color repro.

2009

  • The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; NGA; Smart Museum of Art, Chicago, 2009 - 2010

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.

1991

  • Art for the Nation: Gifts in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1991: p.226.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: ABesnard; by later hand, lower left in graphite: iv/v G.14; by later hand, lower center in graphite: D; across top verso in graphite: La fin de tout / 20

Markings

None.

Watermarks

[fleur de lis]

Wikidata ID

Q74888023

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