Artwork
Old St. Etienne

Old St. Etienne is a print by David Young Cameron. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Old St.
About this work
Overview
Old St. Etienne, created by Scottish artist David Young Cameron in 1907, is an etching depicting a Gothic-style church interior. The work showcases Cameron's expertise in architectural scenes, characteristic of his contributions to the Etching Revival.
Subject & Meaning
The etching focuses on a grand, ornate doorway as the central element, flanked by slender columns and topped by a circular window. A figure in a long robe stands in the doorway, engaging the viewer. The composition conveys grandeur and solemnity, evoking reverence.
Technique & Style
Cameron employed muted colors and strong chiaroscuro in Old St. Etienne, creating deep shadows and highlights that add depth and dimensionality to the scene. This technique enhances the overall sense of awe and reverence.
History & Provenance
Old St. Etienne is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Created in 1907, it exemplifies Cameron's role as a leading figure in the Etching Revival, a movement emphasizing detailed, expressive etchings of landscapes and architectures.
Context
As part of the Etching Revival, Old St. Etienne reflects the late 19th and early 20th-century renewed interest in etching as an artistic medium. Cameron's work, along with others in the movement, helped elevate etching from a reproductive technique to a creative art form.
Legacy
Through works like Old St. Etienne, David Young Cameron contributed significantly to the popularity of etching in the early 20th century. His architectural etchings, in particular, remain notable for their detail and expressive use of light and shadow.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir David Young Cameron (28 June 1865 – 16 September 1945) was a Scottish painter and, with greater success, etcher, mostly of townscapes and landscapes in both cases. He was a leading figure in the final decades of the Etching Revival.



















