Locomotive c. 1888

Henri-Charles Guérard created this etching called ‘Locomotive’. The monochromatic print utilizes a rich interplay of light and shadow to evoke a palpable sense of industrial dynamism. Look at how Guérard employs dense, concentrated lines to render the locomotive. Notice the train's form set against the stark, snow-covered landscape. The heavy, dark mass of the engine contrasts with the delicate, airy quality of the smoke billowing above. The parallel lines of the railway tracks converge into the distance, creating a deep recession into space. The starkness of the landscape and the geometric composition of the scene reflect broader artistic concerns around modernity and the representation of industrial life. Ultimately, the print serves as a powerful commentary on the changing landscape, reflecting how such spaces were perceived and represented at the time.