Venetian Night 1925

James McBey made this etching, Venetian Night, sometime in the first half of the 20th century. McBey's vision of Venice evokes a sense of mystery, with the city's iconic waterways and architecture shrouded in darkness. McBey, born in Scotland, traveled extensively, and Venice was one of his many ports of call. The image speaks to the romantic allure of Venice, a city steeped in history and intrigue, but it doesn’t shy away from a somber tone. The scene is softened by the subtle use of light on the water and on the buildings. We can feel the quiet stillness of the evening. McBey worked as a war artist during World War One, which may have informed the way he found and transmitted feeling in such dark subject matter. This piece invites us to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring beauty of Venice, even in the face of darkness.