Frauen Kirche, Nuremburg 1910

John Marin made this etching, Frauen Kirche, Nuremburg, probably sometime in the early 20th century. Just imagine him standing there, with the cathedral looming up, its gothic details like a wild, spiky crown. You can sense the artist's hand in the nervous energy of the lines, like he's trying to capture not just the building, but the feeling of the place. Maybe he’s thinking about the weight of history, or maybe he’s just trying to keep up with the bustling market in front of the church! I love the way he doesn’t try to smooth things over, but embraces the scratchy, uneven texture of the etching. There’s a sense of immediacy, like he’s inviting us to see the world through his eyes, with all its imperfections and contradictions. He probably saw himself in conversation with Whistler and other etchers. Artists are always referencing and riffing off one another.