The Visit to the City
1886
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1886
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white etching shows a group of people in a dimly lit room with fancy details. A woman in a long, ruffled dress stands near a marble pillar, while two men in suits shake hands. Others mill around, some holding hats or bags, and a small child watches from behind. The floor has a fur rug, and the walls have ornate moldings and a bust on a pedestal. The artist used shading to show depth, making the room feel cozy but busy. Notice how the light hits the faces and hands, giving them a soft glow. Check out how this was made using etching.