Fireplace Wood c. 1935

Leslie Henderson made this print, Fireplace Wood, with mezzotint, a process of burnishing the metal plate. It's pretty cool how this technique renders the working man, whose skin looks almost velvety. The whole image is about texture, isn't it? You can almost feel the rough wood, the coarse cloth of his trousers, and the smooth, cool surface of the stones. It's a study in contrasts, the darkness of the man's form set against the light of the wood, the geometric shapes of the building softened by the organic forms of the landscape. I find myself drawn to the way Henderson renders the wood itself, capturing the grain with such precision. It’s not just wood; it's a record of time and growth. This reminds me a little bit of Kathe Kollwitz, in the way Henderson uses darkness and light to convey a sense of labor and human struggle. Ultimately, it's the kind of piece that stays with you, inviting you to contemplate the beauty and dignity of everyday life.