Sotto Portico, Venice 1925

James McBey created this etching, 'Sotto Portico, Venice,' in 1925. It shows a typical Venetian scene: a gondola passing beneath an arched portico, its reflection shimmering in the water. Consider the appeal of Venice to artists during this time. By the early 20th century, Venice was an established tourist destination, a place of picturesque decay and a center for the international art market. McBey was one of many artists drawn to the city's unique atmosphere and visual motifs. This etching caters to the popular taste for romantic, slightly melancholic views of Venice. The choice of etching, a traditional printmaking technique, further enhances the sense of nostalgia. As art historians, we can explore the significance of Venice as a cultural symbol, examining guidebooks, travel accounts, and other visual representations of the city to understand how McBey's work fits within a broader cultural landscape.