Ben Lomond 1923

Curator: This etching by David Young Cameron, created in 1923, is titled "Ben Lomond". Editor: There's a certain starkness to it, almost brooding. The dark mass of the mountain range dominates, and that reflective surface... it amplifies the sense of solemnity. Curator: Cameron was a master of the etching technique. Look closely at the lines, the varying depths and densities used to create light and shadow. There is such attention to topographical details as it captures a romantic Scottish landscape. This image, like much of Cameron’s work, promoted the idea of Scotland as a beautiful space of untouched nature, important for both its local economy through tourism, and for maintaining an idea of cultural heritage tied to landscape. Editor: The texture is really compelling, especially the rough strokes delineating the foreground and the almost hazy treatment of the mountain’s peak. Note also the composition – that vast expanse of sky, really pushing the landscape down. The horizontal lines formed by the land and reflected image emphasize the natural flatness that extends into the work's pictorial space. Curator: Right. Etchings allowed for a relatively inexpensive reproduction of artwork, therefore having the ability to reach much wider audiences. These landscape images played a key role in forming perceptions and romantic ideals about Scotland, often circulating as prints. Images of landscape could be a way of codifying national identity. Editor: Do you think he consciously thought of it in that manner? Or rather was there the inherent romantic in landscape work produced in Europe throughout this time? Curator: I believe artists were completely aware of the effect of these artworks to serve various societal purposes in line with local economic benefit. Editor: Even today, I wonder what the Scottish tourist board would do without an image like that. Curator: Precisely! An example that certain artistic works can endure through their value within visual culture. Editor: Well, it's certainly made me want to book a trip. A very effective piece of marketing, consciously or unconsciously.