The Cavalier 1914

This engraving, "The Cavalier", was made by Timothy Cole, sometime around the turn of the century. Cole's mark-making feels incredibly precise, a kind of dedicated labor that gives the image a real presence. You can see how the process becomes part of the meaning. The whole image is built up from these tiny, controlled marks. Look closely at the ruff around the Cavalier's neck: it's not just white, but a constellation of carefully placed lines and dots that create the illusion of texture and depth. The way Cole uses these marks to build up the shadows is fascinating. There's a real push and pull, a kind of visual vibration that keeps your eye moving. It's like he's inviting you to get lost in the details. It makes me think a bit of Vija Celmins, with that all-over dedication to detail. Ultimately art is a conversation. There are no right answers, just different ways of seeing.