Forest at Chaville (Bois de Chaville) 1924

Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac made this etching, ‘Forest at Chaville’, using the direct, physical process of engraving to create an image of the natural world. The surface is worked with a network of lines that feel spontaneous, like quick notations, capturing the essence of the trees and foliage. See how the density of the lines creates a sense of depth and shadow, almost like he's sculpting with ink? This technique reminds me of Giacometti's drawings, where the subject is built up through a web of lines, each one adding to the form and the feeling. I particularly love the area in the lower left corner, where the lines bunch together to create a dark, textured patch of undergrowth. It's like a little abstract painting in itself! The overall effect is less about perfect representation and more about the energy and vitality of the forest. It shows how mark making itself can become the subject.