This in a World as Old c. 1936 - 1938

Edgar Britton made this lithograph, sometime in the 20th century, focusing on line and tone to shape the scene. It’s all about process, and how the artist coaxes the image out of the stone. The texture is incredible. It’s not just the way the figures are rendered, but also the abstract shapes in the background. Look at how the cross hatching defines the planes of the faces and bodies. Britton really knew his way around lithography – using the grease and acid to create these velvety darks and luminous lights. There's a real sense of weight and volume. Notice the hands, especially the mother’s, cradling the child. They’re drawn with such care, each line contributing to the sense of protection and warmth. You could compare this to Kollwitz’s prints – that same commitment to social themes. But Britton brings his own mid-century sensibility, with that mix of realism and abstraction. It's a reminder that art isn't about easy answers, but about wrestling with the big questions, in marks and tones.