The Rialto 1926

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching, "The Rialto", with ink on paper. Look at how the marks build up, a real density of lines pulling together to conjure the image. This additive process, where the image emerges from the build-up of detail, mirrors the real, lived process of building a city, stone by stone. The etching captures a scene brimming with daily life, but it’s the texture that really speaks to me. See the contrast between the dense cross-hatching under the bridge and the sparser lines suggesting the sky. It’s like feeling the cool, damp air near the water and then turning your face up towards the sun. Check out how MacLaughlan uses different densities of marks to create light and shadow – a real masterclass in monochrome. This reminds me of Piranesi, but with a softer edge. Ultimately, art’s about seeing what others have done and adding your own voice to the conversation. MacLaughlan does just that, offering us a fresh perspective on a timeless scene.