Old Tower, Leith n.d.

John Clerk of Eldin created this print of the Old Tower in Leith, using etching, a process that allows for finely detailed and atmospheric depictions. Clerk of Eldin, a Scottish lawyer and amateur artist, was deeply interested in naval tactics and architecture, subjects that often found their way into his art. Leith, as the port of Edinburgh, was a site of constant activity and exchange, a place where social classes and global economies intersected. The tower itself, a symbol of both protection and observation, stands as a silent witness to the maritime activities. Notice how the rough sea seems to threaten the ships, evoking the precariousness of life for sailors and merchants dependent on the sea. The monochromatic palette adds to the somber mood, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the elements. The artist’s focus on the structural elements against the turbulent sea subtly questions humanity’s attempt to control nature.