The Quai Gambetta, Boulogne 1916

James McBey made this etching, The Quai Gambetta, Boulogne, using fine lines to capture a busy harborside scene. The way he builds up the image feels intuitive, a kind of visual note-taking that’s all about the process. Look closely, and you’ll see how the texture of the paper becomes part of the scene. The ink isn't laid on thick, but rather it delicately marks the surface, creating a sense of depth and distance. The marks that define the figures and the boats are so economical, yet they bring the whole scene to life. Take the masts of the sailboats, for instance, they are these tall, slender lines that create a rhythmic pattern, almost like musical notes on a staff. McBey’s work reminds me a little of Whistler’s etchings, both artists had a knack for capturing the essence of a place with just a few strokes. It's this kind of nuanced vision that makes art such a compelling conversation across time. It leaves us space for ambiguity, for multiple readings, and isn't that what art is all about?