Portret van de vader van de kunstenaar 1863

Auguste Danse created this etching of his father around 1863. Danse, who lived through a tumultuous century in Europe, likely witnessed firsthand the rise of industrialization, the emergence of new social classes, and shifts in family structures. This portrait of his father is charged with the emotional complexity of familial bonds set against a backdrop of societal change. The etching technique, with its fine lines and subtle gradations, allows for an intimate portrayal of the elder Danse. The gaze is direct and perhaps a little weary. The traditional portrait format is disrupted by the intense emotional connection between father and son. Danse’s artwork is a testament to the endurance of personal relationships amidst broader social transformations.