Kathedraal te Rouen 1903

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching of Rouen Cathedral, and to me, it’s all about the lines, how they play together and create space. It feels like a slow reveal. There’s a tangible sense of texture here, from the rough edges of the buildings to the intricate details of the cathedral. The artist uses the physicality of the etching medium to convey the weight and presence of these structures. Notice that dark cluster of lines on the left-hand side, how they create a sense of depth and shadow, pulling you into the narrow street. It's like a secret passage, leading you towards the light. MacLaughlan’s work reminds me a little of Piranesi, who was another master of architectural prints. But while Piranesi's views are often grand and imposing, MacLaughlan’s feels more intimate, more human. It’s a reminder that art is always in conversation with itself, building on what came before, finding new ways of seeing and experiencing the world.