The Isle of Ely 1915

Curator: There's an intriguing calmness to this. I'd almost call it hushed, despite the implied vastness of the landscape. Editor: Today, we're exploring James McBey's 1915 etching, "The Isle of Ely." It's a print that captures the flatness of the Fens, really honing in on the expansive sky. Curator: Right, that sky! It dominates. The clouds are almost scribbled in, giving this amazing feeling of movement. Down below, that tiny city feels both present and like it could vanish any second. It makes me think of childhood memories… that odd mix of wanting adventure and wanting to just stay safe inside. Editor: Interesting you pick up on that tension. Structurally, McBey uses that expanse of negative space to emphasize the sheer scale of the landscape, the relatively diminutive placement of the town underscores human insignificance. I also want to highlight how he really varies the density of his etched lines to give volume to the tree on the right. Curator: That single tree does seem to be the balancing counterpoint. Like one lone friend saying "Hey, it's alright, stick with me". And it really underscores this sense of journey – this group of figures right here could be embarking toward town. Editor: Yes, note how the etched lines become more definite as you approach the lower-left. The use of realism in this piece adds an air of believability as it directs the viewer through the landscape. Curator: The medium really adds something to the landscape too— the textures feel really lived in and like this location has been inhabited and etched by time itself. It feels familiar somehow. It’s odd how much the past sneaks into everything. Editor: Precisely. The subtle tones McBey achieves really speak to the history embedded in the landscape and give an introspective element as you follow the narrative that has been established. Curator: I never thought an image of the Isle of Ely would stir up so much. There's such a delicate story here— the contrast is captivating. Editor: It is a perfect depiction that captures both the structural and artistic components that work to communicate McBey’s unique impression of the isle.