Tagus at Toledo 1913

Ian Strang created this etching, "Tagus at Toledo," sometime in the 20th century. The composition divides into three distinct horizontal bands: the dark foreground, the river and the architecture on the hill beyond. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through precise etching, draws our eye through the archway. Here, Strang masterfully frames the distant city, inviting us to contemplate the interplay between the imposing architecture of the bridge and the distant city. The structural rigidity of the arch, rendered with meticulous detail, contrasts with the organic lines of the landscape. Strang uses the archway as a visual device, creating a sense of depth and inviting viewers to consider their position relative to the scene. This play with perspective and form reflects broader artistic concerns with how we perceive space and architecture, suggesting a dialogue between the observer and the observed.