Possession 1900

This is Paul-Albert Besnard’s etching "Possession", and though undated, it probably comes from his late 19th-century period, made in France. The scene depicts a nude woman, seemingly lifeless, with skeletons hovering around her. This image is very much in keeping with its time. It's a period that saw the rise of Symbolism in art. The focus was on conveying complex ideas through metaphorical imagery. "Possession" seems to engage with themes of mortality and decay. We can also think about the title, and what it might say about the social status of women at the time. Are the skeletons metaphors for male dominance? To understand Besnard's work better, we might explore the artistic circles he moved in, the exhibitions he participated in, and the critical responses to his art. What was the cultural context that gave rise to this rather macabre, yet compelling, imagery? This would provide a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.