Manhattan Vista 1934

Armin Landeck created this print of Manhattan, in shades of grey, back in 1939. I can imagine him up high in one of those buildings, perched with his plate, etching tools, and acid, carefully plotting the lines and textures that give the city its depth and density. I wonder what he thought of it? I am not familiar with Landeck's work. I wonder what his other works look like? There’s something about the close hatching and attention to light and shadow that reminds me of M.C. Escher, but with more of a grounded, urban feel. Look how the rooftops become their own kind of landscape, punctuated by water towers and strange architectural details. Each line feels deliberate, building up to a complex and compelling vision of the modern metropolis. It makes you consider the role of the printmaker in capturing and interpreting the world around them. This print isn't just a picture of Manhattan; it's a whole way of seeing and experiencing the city.