Luscanen, Brittany 1906

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching, Luscanen, Brittany, using black ink on paper. MacLaughlan was an American artist, but he traveled widely in Europe, and this image reflects an interest in the landscapes and everyday lives of the people he encountered there. Made in the early 20th century, this etching shows a street scene in rural France. The buildings are traditional stone cottages with thatched roofs. A figure climbs a ladder to the roof, perhaps to make repairs. This quiet scene reflects a moment in time. The artist chose etching because it allowed him to capture the textures and tones of the landscape. The etching medium allowed for the mass production of images, playing a key role in shaping perceptions and cultural exchange between America and Europe. To understand this artwork better, we might research the history of Brittany, the art market and printmaking techniques of the early 20th century. The meaning of art changes depending on social context.