Venetian Night

Artist James McBey (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)

Date1930

Mediumetching on paper

ClassificationsMcBey

DimensionsOverall: Height: 27.7 cm
Plate Size: Width: 43 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1960 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationOn Display - Gallery 13

Object numberABDAG007842

Keywords

About MeJames McBey was a huge admirer of Rembrandt and developed a style which exploited Rembrandtesque light effects, with contrasting areas of dark and light. This etching was printed from the copper plate in the case below and is shown here to illustrate the etching process.

McBey had taught himself to etch from a book borrowed from Aberdeen public library but soon became proficient in the technique and was able to give up his job as a bank clerk. He benefitted from the 1920s etching boom and his prints sold for extraordinarily high prices.
More About Me

Collections Wall

If this atmospheric etching has sparked your interest in James McBey and you want to find out more about him, make your way to Gallery 13, which is dedicated to his life in art.

Exhibitions

Gallery 13 - McBey: Artist Adventurer