Rio dei Santi Apostoli 1929

John Taylor Arms made this etching of Rio dei Santi Apostoli at some point in his career, we don’t know exactly when. Isn’t it wonderful, all those pale lines making up the buildings and bridges of Venice? I can almost hear the scratching of his etching needle on the metal plate, the way it delicately traces the architecture. You know, it makes me think about the hours he spent just looking, really looking, at the way the light catches on those old facades. There’s a kind of loving attention to detail, like he’s trying to capture not just the buildings, but the very soul of the place. I like the idea of art being an exchange, a conversation. Arms must have learned from the etchers before him. Each generation passes on its knowledge, teaching future artists how to see and interpret the world. I'm sure his work, in turn, is a quiet invitation to others.