Margot as Lopokova 1920

James McBey made this etching of Margot as Lopokova in 1923 using a metal plate. The approach here is one of process, you can see the mark-making, and the ghostliness, which is really compelling. I love the ethereal quality of the tutu, it's a flurry of activity, while the dancer is stationary, shy, and kind of lovely. The way the ballerina contrasts with the dark, roughly hewn strokes used to create the pianist is interesting. It's as if the musician is working away in the background while she pauses for a moment. The etched lines have a physical presence; you can almost feel the artist dragging the tool across the metal. Note the window, it is only partially described with short, vertical lines, just enough to evoke an idea of a window. This reminds me a little bit of Whistler, who explored similar territory using etching. In art, there are no definitive answers, just different ways of seeing.