Palazzo dei Cammerlenghi 1925

James McBey made this etching, Palazzo dei Cammerlenghi, in 1925 using a drypoint technique. The scene emerges through a network of delicate lines and cross-hatching, capturing a Venetian vista with remarkable intricacy. I can only imagine McBey standing on a bridge or perhaps at a window, observing the dance of light on water and stone. What did he think about as he worked? There is a strong sense of texture, from the weathered facades of the buildings to the gently lapping water, all rendered with a light touch. Notice how the clustered gondolas in the foreground add depth, drawing the eye into the distance. The lone figure in the boat creates a sense of solitude amid the city’s bustle. Looking at this, I think of Whistler, another master of atmosphere. Like so many artists before him, McBey was drawn to Venice. There’s this ongoing conversation between artists, each one building on what came before. It’s about seeing, feeling, and finding your own way to express it. The beauty lies in that imperfect translation!