The Bridges, New York 1930

William Charles McNulty made this etching, "The Bridges, New York", with incredible detail and precision using only line and tone. It’s amazing to me how much depth and atmosphere he creates. The whole image is built up from a network of tiny marks, creating a rich, velvety texture. Look closely, and you’ll see each stroke is carefully considered, varying in thickness and direction to define form and space. You can almost feel the weight of the bridge’s massive structure and the hustle-bustle of the water around it. McNulty’s print reminds me of Piranesi’s architectural fantasies, or maybe some of the more graphic work of the Ashcan School. Like those artists, he captures the energy and complexity of modern urban life. It's a testament to the power of printmaking to evoke a sense of place and history, but also to open up a world of imagination.