Artwork
On the Y, Amsterdam
On the Y, Amsterdam is a print by Muirhead Bone. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
On the Y, Amsterdam is a 1913 print by Muirhead Bone, a Scottish artist known for his etchings and watercolours of industrial and architectural subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene canal-side scene in Amsterdam, featuring bare trees, small boats, and a larger ship in the distance. A figure walks along the shore, carrying a long pole, adding a sense of human presence to the tranquil atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose, quick lines, the print has a sketch-like quality, capturing the basic shapes and forms of the scene without excessive detail. The twisted, wind-leaning trees add a sense of movement to the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1913, On the Y, Amsterdam reflects Bone's early work, which often featured expansive architectural scenes and was highly prized before the etching market declined in 1929.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Muirhead Bone (23 March 1876 – 21 October 1953) was a Scottish etcher and watercolourist who became known for his depiction of industrial and architectural subjects and his work as a war artist in both the First and Second World Wars.
