Misty Day, Paul's Wharf, London c. 1928

George Elbert Burr made this etching of Paul's Wharf in London sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. The whole thing is steeped in atmosphere, like the artist was trying to capture a mood as much as a place. The artist carefully used line and tone to create depth and distance, like the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral fading into the background. I bet Burr felt like he was in conversation with Whistler, who was also interested in capturing subtle atmospheric effects in his prints and paintings of London. I wonder what it was like to stand there, on the bank of the river, watching the boats move through the misty light. I can imagine the artist wanting to capture the scene before it disappeared, like trying to hold onto a memory. You can almost hear the quiet lapping of the water. It’s like Burr wasn’t just showing us a place, but inviting us to share a feeling.