The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2023

The Carpenter of Hesdin

1917

This object has related works. See The Carpenter of Hesdin

James McBey

(British, 1883–1959)

England, 20th century

Etching with drypoint

Support: Laid paper

Sheet: 22.2 x 34.5 cm (8 3/4 x 13 9/16 in.); Image: 19.6 x 30.6 cm (7 11/16 x 12 1/16 in.)

Gift of John Bonebrake 2010.605

Catalogue raisonné: Hardie, 178

Location

not on view

Description

McBey was an official war artist during the latter part of the First World War, an experience reflected in his work. The Carpenter of Hesdin depicts a craftsman making wooden crosses for the graves of French soldiers. Drypoint produces rich, velvety shadows that perfectly describe the cold and gloomy February day.

Inscriptions

Inscription

Lower left, in pencil: "The Carpenter of Hesdin (M. 4179)" Lower right, in black ink: "James McBey XVII" Inscribed in plate, lower center: "McBey February 1917"

Provenance
Tomlinson Collection, Morgantown, WV 1/22/96; John Bonebrake, Cleveland, OH
Exhibition history

A Passion for Prints: The John Bonebrake Donation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (October 2, 2011-January 29, 2012).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2010.605