Pavia 1904

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching, Pavia, at an unknown date, and it's a real testament to the art of seeing. The entire piece is a network of these fine, etched lines, creating a world out of texture and tone. You can almost feel the rough surface of the buildings, the movement of the people in the square, the sheer weight of that incredible dome. The subtle variations in the ink create depth, the contrast between light and shadow bringing the scene to life. The light feels really specific, like that particular time of day, the sun hitting the dome just so. And check out the way he includes these almost dreamlike sketches in the top left, studies of heads and figures, a peek into the artist's process. It reminds me of Piranesi's architectural prints, in the way that he captures the grandeur and the grit of a place. But it's also deeply personal, an intimate record of the artist's encounter with Pavia. Art is just such a cool conversation across time.