Three Veiled Women (Trois femmes voilées)

1899

Albert Besnard

Associated Names
Albert Besnard

Artist, French, 1849 - 1934

Three figures are depicted, focusing on their upper bodies. The central figure is seated and hunched forward, wrapped in a cloak that partially conceals their form. The face is downturned, with short, dark hair, and simple facial features outlined with soft lines. On either side of the central figure are two other figures, also wrapped in cloaks, standing and facing toward each other. One on the left has long, flowing hair and distinct facial features with a calm expression, while the other on the right has detailed facial features and their hair covered by the hood of the cloak. The clothing on all the figures is similar, consisting of large cloaks that create a sense of unity among them. There is no jewelry or objects in their hands visible in the etching. The background is plain, with no distinct features, focusing the attention entirely on the cloaked figures.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid Van Gelder paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bell

  • Dimensions

    plate: 27 x 20.2 cm (10 5/8 x 7 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 32.7 x 25.5 cm (12 7/8 x 10 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.4.12

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Delteil, no. 119, State only


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Professor and Mrs. Daniel Bell, Cambridge; gift to NGA, 1994.

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

lower right in graphite: ABesnard; lower center in graphite: Tiré à 75 no 11; by later hand, lower center in graphite: TROIS FEMMES VOILÉES (ETUDE POUR L'ILE HEUREUSE) G119 FNR $240; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: 199; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: CXX

Markings

None.

Watermarks

"VAN GELDER ZONEN"

Wikidata ID

Q75124582

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