Boys Fishing 1902

James McBey made this etching, Boys Fishing, with ink on paper. You can really feel the hand of the artist here; it’s all about the gesture, the mark-making, the way the light seems to emerge from the dark lines. Look how McBey uses all these tiny little lines to create the textures of the boys' jackets. It’s like he’s feeling his way through the scene, building it up bit by bit. I love the way the reflections shimmer on the water, made with these quick, flickering strokes. And there’s something so delicate about the way he’s captured the rigging of the boats, just a few simple lines that suggest so much. This piece reminds me of Whistler’s etchings, both in its subject matter and its understated elegance. It's not about telling a story, it’s about capturing a mood, a moment in time. And like all good art, it leaves you with more questions than answers.