Fireworks in Paris (Feu d'artifice a Paris) 1937

Edouard Goerg made this etching, Fireworks in Paris, using line and texture to evoke the light and energy of a celebration. The process of artmaking, like a firework display, is about building towards a fleeting moment. Up close, you can see how the ink creates depth and movement. Look at the way Goerg uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the dark areas, creating a sense of volume and drama. The contrast with the white of the paper is like a sudden burst of light, isn’t it? Notice the fine lines that suggest the spray of the fountain. These capture a sense of motion and ephemerality, just like the brief existence of a firework in the night sky. This piece reminds me of Piranesi’s etchings of Rome, not only in the monochromatic palette but in their shared interest in the spectacle of urban life, emphasizing that art is a continuous dialogue across time and cultures. Ultimately, it’s the act of looking and interpreting that brings the artwork to life.