Alterations in the Briggate, Glasgow 1899

Muirhead Bone's etching, 'Alterations in the Briggate, Glasgow,' uses a panoramic format to capture a scene of urban transformation. The composition is dominated by a dense network of lines, suggesting a city in flux. Bone's precise lines create contrasts between light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of aged buildings and construction. The long format enhances the impression of a wide, bustling street which hints at broader social and economic changes. The etching technique allows for a high level of detail, reflecting Bone's commitment to realism. His work aligns with broader artistic concerns, questioning fixed notions of progress. In this work, Bone uses formal means to convey a sense of Glasgow's evolving identity.