The Seine at Rouen 1916

Editor: This is James McBey’s etching, “The Seine at Rouen,” created in 1916. The first thing that strikes me is how raw and immediate it feels, despite being a landscape. What do you make of its composition and line work? Curator: It’s like McBey poured the scene onto the plate, isn’t it? The scratchy lines almost vibrate with energy. Look how the drypoint technique gives the impression of atmosphere; you can practically feel the dampness coming off the river Seine. It's as though the scene wasn’t just *observed* but actually *felt* at some inner level. And the dark mass of foliage contrasted with the blank sky... it pulls you in, doesn’t it? Does it remind you of anything? Editor: I see what you mean; it's certainly visceral. There’s a brooding quality I associate with some Romantic landscapes, maybe like a simplified Constable. The lone figure seems insignificant against nature’s bulk. What's the story with this place, Rouen, during this period? Curator: Precisely. Think about 1916 - World War I raging. Even in a seemingly tranquil landscape like this, the weight of history is pressing down. Rouen was a crucial port, vital for supplying the British Expeditionary Force. Did McBey, I wonder, chose this subject unconsciously? Maybe it mirrors his personal mood amidst the universal anxiety. Editor: That gives it a new dimension. I was seeing it as primarily aesthetic, but now I see the historical and personal layers, as well. Curator: Absolutely, and it just underlines how much a printmaker can say with what sometimes looks like very little... So, this trip opened our eyes! Do we now sense a different dimension from what the print looked like originally? Editor: Definitely! The artistic intent and social context now lend additional meaning. It’s more than just a landscape; it's a whisper from the past.