General, the Earl of Cavan 1921

Walter Tittle made this etching of General, the Earl of Cavan, on a plate, using a precise and controlled hand. The marks are so decisive, capturing the Earl's likeness with an economy of line. It's all process, the way each stroke builds form, but it's also about how the artist sees, how they translate a three-dimensional person onto a two-dimensional surface. Look closely, and you'll see the way Tittle uses varied pressure to create darker and lighter areas, giving depth to the face and uniform. The shadows around the eyes and under the nose are particularly striking, adding to the subject's serious demeanor. Notice the fine, almost feathery lines that define the contours of his face and clothing. It's like a dance of the hand, each line carefully placed to suggest volume and texture. This reminds me a little of Whistler's portraits, though Tittle's approach feels more direct, less atmospheric. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is a conversation across time, artists building on the work of those who came before, each with their own unique voice.