The Fountain, Holyrood 1904 - 1905

James McBey made "The Fountain, Holyrood" in 1905 with etching. I like the way he's built up the image with thin layers of line. The surface feels quite active, like he’s capturing a fleeting impression. I can imagine him outside, maybe a bit cold, quickly trying to capture the light and form with a sense of urgency, focusing on the main elements. The fountain itself is quite impressive. Look how McBey uses these dark, scratchy lines to bring out the intricate details. They seem to vibrate on the surface. The buildings in the background feel more solid and stable. The lone figure walking across the open space adds a nice human element to the print. What do you think they were thinking? Where do you imagine they might have been going? Artists often inspire each other across time. I find it amazing how a simple gesture can say so much, and how one artwork can spark so many different reactions.