Man in Cloak, Seen from Behind

"Man in Cloak, Seen from Behind" is a captivating print by Jacques Bellange, housed right here in the National Gallery of Art. In this intriguing composition, Bellange presents us with not one, but two nearly identical figures. Both men stand with their backs to us, enveloped in long, flowing cloaks and wearing hats adorned with feathers. The repetition of the figure adds a sense of mystery and invites us to ponder the artist's intention. Notice the walking stick held delicately in the right hand of each figure, hinting at a journey or perhaps signifying a certain social standing. Bellange masterfully uses hatching and cross-hatching, a technique common in printmaking, to create a sense of volume and texture, especially in the heavy folds of the cloaks. While the light source is not obvious, the subtle shading suggests it comes from the left, casting soft shadows that accentuate the three-dimensionality of the figures. This artwork, with its intriguing subject and masterful execution, offers a glimpse into Bellange's unique artistic vision.