Anglia Perdita 1921 - 1925

F. L. Griggs made this intaglio print called 'Anglia Perdita,' but when, is anyone's guess! I love the tonality that Griggs coaxes from his plate using line, a limited palette that feels unexpectedly full of atmosphere. There's so much texture here. The lines used to describe the architecture are incredibly fine, and each stroke feels deliberate. The artist varies the rhythm and density of marks to produce contrasting effects. Look at the cross-hatching on the rooftops in the foreground, which makes them appear dark and solid, while the cathedral in the background is created with more open, vertical lines, giving it an ethereal quality. I'm reminded of Piranesi, the Italian printmaker, with his dramatic architectural fantasies. Ultimately, this is a very personal vision; the title itself suggests a sense of loss. It invites us to contemplate the passage of time, the beauty of ruins, and the power of art to evoke the past.