Canyon, No. III
1904
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1904
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a deep canyon carved by water. The black lines dig into the paper like the river once dug into stone. You can almost feel the weight of the cliffs pressing down. The artist carved wet paper, not metal. That trick lets ink sit in soft patches instead of sharp lines. It makes the shadows melt together. Look for the same quiet magic in work by Pennell, Joseph.
