Nimf met putti 1881 - 1934

This etching by Arthur Mayeur, called Nimf met putti, or Nymph with putti, is an intimate scene conjured with tonal gradations and the expressive potential of line. Look how Mayeur plays with dark and light to sculpt form and evoke atmosphere. The nymph's body emerges from the shadows, her form rendered with delicate lines that suggest both volume and movement. Around her, putti – those cherubic figures of classical art – frolic amidst the shadowy depths. The surface of the print is alive with texture, created by the layering of etched lines. In areas of deep shadow, the lines are dense and cross-hatched, while in highlights, they are sparse and delicate. I love the way Mayeur coaxes such a range of tones from a limited palette, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. He reminds me a little of Odilon Redon. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is not about fixed meanings, but rather about opening up possibilities for seeing, feeling, and thinking.