The Calf Auction 1924

Clare Leighton made this print, "The Calf Auction," using wood engraving, which is such a tactile and time-intensive process. What strikes me is the sharp contrast and how Leighton coaxes so much texture out of the simple black and white. Look at the calf itself. The engraver's marks create a soft, almost fuzzy texture, suggesting the animal’s youth and vulnerability. The surrounding figures are rendered with a more angular, decisive touch, emphasizing their solidity and perhaps their business-like intentions. It reminds me of Kathe Kollwitz, another artist who wrung so much emotion out of black and white prints. Ultimately, this isn't just a scene; it’s a study in how we assign value and how labor and life are intertwined. It’s a stark reminder of the many stories, both visible and unseen, that make up our shared human experience.