Ehrenbreitstein to Coblenz, No. 2 1913

Frank Short made this print, Ehrenbreitstein to Coblenz, No. 2, sometime in his life using some kind of engraving technique. I love how he uses the soft, hazy light to give a dreamy atmosphere to the industrial scene. You can almost smell the smoke from the factories! The tones feel almost photographic, yet the way the marks are layered and built up gives it a painterly quality. It’s all about texture here: the rough, granular feel of the sky contrasting with the smooth reflections on the water. Look at the top left, where Short delicately layers and pulls the lighter tones to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It’s subtle, but so effective. Short reminds me of Whistler, especially in the way he captures the mood of a place. Both artists seem to understand the magic of suggestion, leaving space for the viewer to fill in the gaps and make their own connections. Art doesn’t need to spell everything out, does it? It’s more fun when there’s room for mystery and interpretation!