Valencia Beach 1911

James McBey created this etching, Valencia Beach, sometime in the first half of the 20th century. McBey’s work is a fascinating example of the art world’s engagement with everyday life at this time. While the scene seems simple enough, consider the social context: travel and leisure were becoming more accessible, but still largely confined to the middle and upper classes. McBey’s composition directs our gaze towards the figures and the livestock, inviting us to contemplate their roles within the broader social landscape. Produced in Spain, this image is rich with cultural references. The geographical location is important to the artist’s intention, but it can be difficult to interpret without deeper analysis and careful consideration of historical sources. Art historians rely on a wide range of documents – from travelogues and social commentaries to economic data and institutional records – to enrich our understanding of artworks like this one. By examining these resources, we can begin to unpack the complex relationship between artistic expression, social structures, and cultural values.