An Act of Barber 

Perry Oliver created "An Act of Barber" using etching. The print captures a scene with a barber attending to a customer, the composition is dominated by the interplay of lines and textures that define the figures and setting. The barber is dressed in a patterned jacket, striped pants, and distinctive footwear, poised with a brush and bucket. His figure contrasts sharply with the seated customer, draped in a plain white cloth, who has a stoic expression. Oliver’s use of etching brings a tactile quality, and the contrast between light and shadow adds depth to the scene, drawing the viewer’s eye across the dynamic interaction. Structurally, the composition employs the use of diagonals to create movement, emphasizing the active role of the barber versus the passive pose of the customer. This mirrors a study of social roles and personal interactions that can be further explored within the artistic conventions of its time, where simple scenes are elevated through formal execution.