Battleships c. 1917 - 1919

"Battleships" is a drypoint etching by American artist Gertrude Fiske, created between 1917 and 1919. The print depicts a group of battleships docked at a pier, with a smaller tugboat in the foreground. Fiske's depiction of the ships is spare, focusing on their silhouettes and the smoke emanating from their funnels. The composition is balanced, with the ships anchored in the center of the image and the pier extending to the right. The overall effect of the etching is one of calm and order, a reflection of the artist's interest in capturing the industrial landscape. The artwork is a valuable example of printmaking during World War I, showcasing the power and majesty of the Navy's formidable fleet.