Palace Court 1933

F.L. Griggs made this etching, Palace Court, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s rendered with tightly packed lines, and the hatching builds up the form. It's process-oriented, almost obsessive. The surface has a subtle, velvety texture, and the tonality is muted, limited to a narrow range of sepia. The lines feel precise but have a slight waver, like handmade lace. The whole image is built up from these tiny, individual marks. Look closely at the stonework on the building to the right. See how each block is delineated with tiny lines that give it volume and texture? It's almost like he's mapping the surface of the stone. The density of line in this etching reminds me of Piranesi's architectural fantasies, though Griggs is more controlled, less baroque. Ultimately, both artists show us that art embraces ambiguity, suggesting multiple interpretations instead of fixed meanings.