Bilboa c. 1925 - 1930

Muirhead Bone made this print, Bilboa, using etching, and it’s all about the process of looking, and then translating that into lines. The hatching marks throughout the piece, especially in the sky and buildings, feel urgent, like Bone was trying to capture the essence of the scene before it disappeared. Notice how the texture of the etched lines creates a sense of depth, pulling you into the bustling city. I’m drawn to the area around the bridge, where the lines are denser and more chaotic. It’s almost as if Bone is using the etching needle to mimic the energy of the crowd. It reminds me a bit of Piranesi's etchings of Rome, with their obsessive details and dramatic perspectives. Both artists share a fascination with the layers of history and human activity. Ultimately, Bone's print invites us to embrace the beauty of imperfection.