Verona 1914

Francis Dodd made this etching of Verona sometime in the 20th century, and what strikes me is the way he uses line. It's all about the cross-hatching, building up tone and texture like a woven fabric. You can almost feel the warmth of the Italian sun beating down on this bustling marketplace, feel the grit on the pavement. Look closely at the way he renders the figures; they're not overly detailed, but they have such weight and presence. The etching captures the play of light and shadow on the architecture. The intricacy of the buildings is fantastic. Notice the way Dodd creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, drawing your eye deeper into the composition. It reminds me a little of Piranesi’s architectural prints, but with a more human, intimate touch. And to me, it is a reminder that art is a conversation, a constant back-and-forth between artists across time.