Jerusalem from Olivet 1921

James McBey rendered this landscape view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives in light brown ink. You can almost see the hand moving lightly over the surface, guided by vision and memory, allowing the landscape to emerge slowly. I wonder what McBey might have been thinking as he created this image. Perhaps he was moved by the spiritual significance of the place, the weight of history palpable in the very air. Or maybe he was simply trying to capture a fleeting moment of beauty, the way the light hits the ancient stones and the subtle gradations of tone across the hills. See how the subtle yet intentional lines evoke depth and atmosphere. The details create a sense of place, but also a feeling of distance, inviting us to contemplate the city from afar. Artists are always in dialogue, aren’t they? We all draw inspiration from those who came before us, adding our own voices to the ongoing conversation. This piece is like a quiet invitation to engage, reflect, and find our own meaning within its subtle strokes.