Antwerp 1922 - 1923

James McBey made this etching of Antwerp sometime in the early 20th century, using fine lines to bring this busy port to life. I can imagine him standing at the edge of the water, squinting, trying to capture the light dancing on the waves, the way it makes everything shimmer and feel a little dreamy. The details of the ships, the buildings in the background – they're all suggested with such economy, just enough to give you a sense of place, a feeling of being there. It makes me think about Whistler and his etchings of the Thames, that same interest in capturing the atmosphere of a city through subtle gestures. Look at the little figures in the boat in the foreground. They're so small, yet they give the scene a sense of scale and human presence. And the way the lines are thicker in some areas, creating shadows and depth, it’s just beautiful. McBey really knew how to make the most of the etching process to evoke a mood, a memory, a fleeting moment in time. That’s the work of an artist who’s really paying attention.