High Bear 1973

Leonard Baskin made this print, High Bear, using lithography which is a great medium for capturing subtle tonal gradations. The pale green and burnt orange colours seem so unexpected, but the stark black ink gives the image structure. It's fascinating how Baskin uses the texture of the lithographic stone to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, like a haze. If you look closely at the way Baskin renders the face, you can see a network of fine lines and cross-hatching. This is where the artist coaxes a sensitive image from the stone. There is real delicacy of touch here, as well as an obvious respect for the sitter. Baskin was interested in the human figure throughout his career, and I'm reminded of the drawings of Kathe Kollwitz. I'm left thinking about the weight of history, and how artists build on the ideas of those who came before.