La Cité, Paris 1900

"La Cité, Paris" is a print made by Donald Shaw MacLaughlan in the early 20th century. He used a process called etching, which involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. MacLaughlan captures the city's essence through the etching technique, using networks of fine lines to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The dense crosshatching conveys a sense of the city's vibrant energy, while the contrasting areas of light and shadow emphasize its architectural grandeur. The texture created by the etching process adds another layer of complexity to the image, mimicking the rough surfaces of the stone buildings and the shimmering surface of the Seine. The image invites us to consider the skilled labor involved in both the making of the city itself and the making of this image of it. By embracing printmaking, often seen as a more democratic medium, MacLaughlan subtly blurs the lines between high art and everyday life, reminding us that beauty can be found in the materials and processes all around us.