Manhattan, Old and New 1929

Samuel Chamberlain made this etching, "Manhattan, Old and New," at an unknown date, using black ink to depict a bustling city scene. There’s something so immediate about the process of etching; you’re right there, scratching into the metal, and Chamberlain really lets that come through. The crisp lines create the buildings, capturing both the grandeur and the grittiness of New York. Look at the variation in the lines, how some are thick and bold, others thin and wispy, which build up these layered tones. The sky almost seems to hum with the energy of the city. Take a look at the lower left, where Chamberlain captures the figures, some rendered with just a few quick strokes, yet they feel so full of life. It reminds me a bit of John Sloan, who had a similarly playful approach to capturing everyday life in the city. Ultimately, art is about opening up possibilities, and I love how this piece invites us to find new perspectives.