Queen Elisabeth of Belgium 1917

Curator: Up next we have Paul-Albert Besnard’s “Queen Elisabeth of Belgium,” an etching from 1917. It’s interesting how the printmaking allows for incredible detail with such a delicate touch. What’s grabbing you as you view it? Editor: I find myself drawn to the direct, unwavering gaze. It feels deeply personal, like a fleeting moment captured in time. Yet, there's a melancholic fragility too, don’t you think? Curator: Absolutely. Her direct stare transcends the constraints of a typical royal portrait; this queen seems to welcome us into a space of mutual humanity. And considering the context of 1917, in the thick of World War I, there’s an element of wartime introspection in her eyes. Editor: Precisely. And, given the era, her hat could symbolize both fashionable identity and an unassuming protective covering against adversity. Curator: Right, think about her role, as well; Queen Elisabeth worked as a nurse during the war. The absence of pomp underscores a grounded humility – an iconic, compassionate leader without extravagant symbols. Editor: So the lack of royal regalia actually amplifies her presence and makes the portrait feel both historical and extraordinarily modern, which is an impressive artistic move. In my imagination, this representation becomes a template for female leaders now and in the future: steadfast in quiet strength. Curator: That interpretation sits perfectly. I think what’s also striking is the intimacy afforded by the etching technique itself; this allows for such nuanced depictions that emphasize individual emotion, particularly visible here around her eyes and mouth. Editor: Ultimately, it speaks volumes of the sitter and the maker, of history and humanity, all coalescing in this surprisingly powerful image. Curator: It makes one ponder what kind of presence Besnard managed to evoke through these tiny little etching marks. What was the collaborative relationship between these two humans in that period of wartime? Food for thought, indeed! Editor: It surely is; these lingering impressions about how much strength exists in seemingly simple, yet direct images, are what endure.