The Towers 1909

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching, "The Towers," at an unknown date. It's like he's wrestling with the very act of seeing, isn't it? The whole thing is built up with these tiny, energetic marks, a real process-oriented approach. Look closely, and you'll see how he uses hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow. The texture is incredible; you can almost feel the rough surfaces of the ancient buildings. Notice the way the light catches the side of the tower on the left. It’s not just light; it’s like a physical presence, pushing against the darkness. It reminds me a little of Piranesi, that same obsession with architectural grandeur and the weight of history. And, like Piranesi, MacLaughlan embraces ambiguity, allowing the towers to loom over us, both imposing and strangely vulnerable. It's about the ongoing conversation of art, where meanings shift and change.