Grigory and the Child (Book III: The Sensualists, p.74) 1949

Fritz Eichenberg made this print, Grigory and the Child, using wood engraving, and its all about the light. The marks are incredible! There's so much cross-hatching that builds up a velvety blackness, it's like looking into a dark room lit only by candlelight. The artist builds up tone on tone, really understanding the material of the wood. It's all about controlling that tiny little tool, pushing it across the surface. I love how the shadows feel so heavy and enveloping, contrasting with the soft glow of the candles. Look at the way the light catches the edge of the book and Grigory's finger as he reads. It’s not just about showing us what things look like, it's about creating a mood, a feeling of intimacy and concentration. You can almost feel the weight of the silence in the room. This reminds me of Goya, using darkness not to obscure, but to intensify the emotional impact. What a masterclass in turning darkness into something meaningful!