Alte Hanser an der Pegnitz, Nuremberg, created in 1909, is a captivating etching on paper by Frank Armington. The piece measures 20.5 x 11.5 inches and prominently features the artist's...
Alte Hanser an der Pegnitz, Nuremberg, created in 1909, is a captivating etching on paper by Frank Armington. The piece measures 20.5 x 11.5 inches and prominently features the artist's signature at the bottom right.
This etching presents a detailed view of the historic buildings along the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, offering a snapshot of architectural heritage and daily life in the early 20th century. At the heart of the composition is a grand structure topped with a distinctive dome, flanked by buildings with gabled roofs, reflective of the era's architecture.
Armington's technique captures the textural contrast between the smooth surface of the river and the detailed masonry of the buildings. His fine lines render the play of light and shadow, conveying the sense of an overcast day, with clouds hanging low in the sky. The ripples on the water surface suggest a gentle flow, disturbed only by the solitary figure rowing a small boat, evoking the quietude of the scene.
The perspective chosen by Armington invites the viewer's eye to travel from the waterway up to the imposing edifices, giving a sense of the city's scale and the river's importance to it. His etching is a work of both historical record and artistic expression, capturing the essence of Nuremberg with a fine balance of realism and mood. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and light, allowing the intricacy of the etching to stand out, a testament to the enduring allure of this ancient city.