John Knox's House 1905

David Young Cameron made this print of John Knox’s House using etching, a printmaking technique that allows for detailed line work and tonal variation. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Look closely, and you'll see how Cameron uses a dense network of fine lines to build up the image, creating areas of deep shadow and subtle gradations of tone. The architectural details of the house and the surrounding streetscape are rendered with precision, giving a sense of depth and texture. Through the skilled manipulation of materials and processes, Cameron elevates printmaking to the level of fine art, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the urban landscape.