Cour des bons Enfants, Rouen 1897

David Young Cameron made "Cour des bons Enfants, Rouen," an etching, during a period that saw rapid industrialization and urbanization. Cameron, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was part of the Etching Revival movement, which saw artists turning to printmaking as a form of artistic expression, celebrating detailed observation and craft. This work depicts a French urban scene, with a close focus on architectural details and the quiet lives of its inhabitants. The figures, mostly women, suggest stories of daily life and labor, framed by the buildings that both shelter and define their existence. What is particularly striking is the light, which is both soft and revealing, drawing our attention to the textures of the buildings. As you consider this work, think about how Cameron uses etching to convey the lived experience of a time, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. It’s a quiet, contemplative piece that speaks volumes about the nuances of everyday life.