Ada
Edgar Chahine (1874-1947), Ada, 1901, drypoint, signed in pencil lower left also initials, dated and titled in the plate] Reference: Tabanelli 65, second state (of 2). In very good condition, with full margins, on cream wove paper, 7 1/4 x 13, the sheet 14 x 22 inches. Archival mounting with window mat.
A very fine impression of this important Fin de Siecle Belle Epoque masterpiece, surely Chahine’s greatest portrait. With a rich drypoint burr on Ada’s fur and hat, and a subtle layer of plate tone over her dress and divan; her face and parts of the hat have been wiped carefully to heighten her appearance.
Chahine, unlike his contemporary portrait specialists such as Zorn or Helleu, addressed social issues and people of varying social classes in his etchings. It is perhaps his greater depth, and his ability to portray a wide range of subject matter, that enables him to convey the intelligence and insight of Ada, as well as her beauty, in the apparent context of a traditional Belle Epoque drypoint.