Barcarole 1925

James McBey made this etching, called Barcarole, probably in the early 20th century. It’s hard to say exactly how McBey achieved this atmospheric effect, but it looks like he built up the image in layers, allowing the plate to retain varying amounts of ink. There’s something very painterly about McBey’s approach, because it feels like he’s developing the image in front of us, searching for the right balance of tones and textures. The buildings in the background are built up from loose marks. Then, the dark silhouette of the boat cuts through the misty scene. I find myself drawn to the way the light seems to glow from the water, as though the artist burnished the plate to achieve that effect. This piece reminds me of Whistler's prints of Venice, which also convey a sense of mystery and fleeting beauty. Like Whistler, McBey revels in ambiguity, leaving room for the viewer to fill in the gaps and imagine their own narrative.