Haarlem 1910

James McBey created this etching, titled "Haarlem," using a metal plate, likely copper, and strong acid. The artist would have painstakingly drawn into a wax ground, exposing the metal, which would then be bitten by the acid. Notice the incredible level of detail achieved through this indirect process. The textures, from the rippling water to the intricate architecture, speak to McBey's mastery of the medium. The scene is laden with labor, from the fishermen in the foreground to the towering windmill in the distance. Windmills were essential to the Dutch landscape, providing energy for grinding grain and pumping water, a testament to human ingenuity harnessed for industry. This print is not just an image; it's a record of a complex interplay between hand skill, industrial processes, and the ever-present realities of labor. By appreciating these material and social dimensions, we can move beyond simply seeing the image and consider how it was made and the world it represents.