Home Again 1919

Curator: "Home Again," an etching by Arthur Lismer, dating back to 1919. Editor: It has a somber mood. I find the stark contrast in light and shadow quite effective. The upward gaze somehow makes you wonder about the scene beyond. Curator: Lismer made this print following his time as an official war artist. It captures the moment soldiers returned to Canada after the First World War. What does that detail add to your interpretation? Editor: Well, it enriches my reading of the soldiers' expressions. It does make it less somber, yet also tense. There is anticipation, with these bold pen strokes conveying this subtle combination of joy, relief and possibly trauma. What about the faceless figures in the background? Curator: Their position adds a sense of community. It's not just individual homecomings but a collective one, reflecting Canada's experience after the war. Lismer was committed to illustrating Canada's emergence as a nation after the war, distinct from its colonial ties to Britain. The medium is especially powerful here. Don't you agree? Editor: The choice of etching is excellent! It lends a gritty realism appropriate for a scene of returning soldiers. And yes, it brings a certain authenticity to the faces. You notice the artist did not bother to add details in the top rows, focusing our attention instead on the foreground figures. The gaze. It is almost hopeful. Curator: Knowing Lismer's position helps one appreciate how this piece resonates beyond individual emotion to make a comment about national identity. Thank you! It has made me appreciate a facet I wasn't fully aware of. Editor: Likewise! The context adds a deeper meaning to the composition, creating such a nuanced story!