Manhattan Evening c. 1932

Earl Horter made this print, *Manhattan Evening*, from a metal plate sometime in the first half of the 20th century. It’s a nocturne, a night scene, and the inky blacks and grays really set the mood. Look how the artist used tiny, precise marks to build up the image. It's like he's constructing the city block by block, one tiny scratch at a time. In the buildings along the river, you can see a clear contrast between the dark structures and the bright windows, suggesting the rhythm of life within. Notice how the light catches the water in the foreground, creating a sense of depth and movement. Horter's choice to focus on the city at night is interesting, reminding me of Whistler’s Thames River series. Like a true printmaker he really knew how to use the medium to convey a sense of atmosphere. The overall effect is almost dreamlike, capturing the energy and mystery of New York after dark.