Birth Announcement for Anne-élisabeth Besnard 1922

Paul-Albert Besnard created this birth announcement for his daughter, Anne-élisabeth Besnard, using the printmaking technique of etching. Lines are incised into a metal plate with a needle, and then acid is applied, biting away at the exposed metal. This intaglio method allows for fine detail, but also captures the immediacy of the artist's hand. Looking closely, you can see the etched lines create a soft, almost dreamlike quality, appropriate for the intimate scene of mother, child, and newborn. Besnard’s choice of etching is significant. Unlike mass-produced lithographs, each etching plate yields a limited number of prints, making this announcement a special, handmade object rather than a product of industrial capitalism. The labor-intensive process reflects the care and attention given to the birth of a child, elevating a simple announcement to the realm of art. The unique textures and tones achieved through etching add a layer of meaning. It reminds us that even in the age of mechanical reproduction, the handmade retains its value, both artistic and personal.