The Cowgate, Edinburgh 1904 - 1905

James McBey etched this plate of The Cowgate in Edinburgh, using subtle tones to describe the scene. Imagine him, dragging that needle ever so lightly across the plate! The lines vary in direction and thickness, creating this atmospheric effect. The composition, almost monochromatic, makes the architecture imposing and the people beneath the archway seem insignificant. He renders the buildings as looming structures, emphasizing the weight and presence of the urban environment. I wonder what McBey was thinking as he developed this plate. Was he trying to capture the city’s energy or its loneliness? The light source beyond the archway creates a focal point, drawing the eye through the composition and beyond. The buildings’ darkness versus this light makes you feel like you are walking through a dream. This print reminds me of Piranesi and his etchings of Rome – the way he captures the grandeur of the city through precise lines and dramatic contrasts. These artists are always in conversation, exchanging ideas across time, inspiring each other’s creativity.