Sappo 1917

Anders Zorn made 'Sappo' using etching, and it's all about the process, isn't it? Look at the lines—so many, all working together! Some are dark and bold, others are light and delicate, and they build up the forms, creating texture and depth. The girl's skin is smooth, but the rocks have a rugged feel, and the dog's fur seems almost touchable. I'm struck by the way the lines are used to describe the movement of the water; it's alive and shimmering. The whole thing feels immediate, like a quick sketch, but it's also carefully observed. It reminds me of Rembrandt, actually, the way he uses light and shadow to create drama. Zorn isn't trying to hide the process; instead, he's letting the lines speak for themselves. It's a reminder that art is about seeing and feeling and finding a way to translate that into something tangible, and, perhaps, a bit ambiguous.