This etching / drypoint shows a view from La Giudecca - an island in the Venetian Lagoon. Giudecca was historically an area of large palaces with magnificent gardens. The island became an industrial area in the early 20th century and had a number of shipyards, factories, and even a film studio. Much of the industry went into decline after World War II.
This etching is taken from the Fondamenta delle Zattere, an extensive quay on the island where gondoliers have secured their boats. Two gondolas are seen at the quayside and passengers are getting ready to board. There seems to be an argument about the fare being charged by one of the gondoliers - who is making impatient gestures with his hands. The wide expanse of water is the Guidecca Canal and this offers McBey the opportunity to show the fantastic panoramic view across the water. In the distance, we can see the Dome and Campanile of the Basilica of San Marco, as well as the Doge's Palace.
This etching is No.2 from the First Venice Set - and it dates to 1925.
McBey's etchings of Venice are always keenly sought after and valued. Impressions of this print are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum, New York, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), the Victoria and Albert Museum in London - so is certainly a fine work of international repute.
Dimensions: Frame Size is 30.5 x 44.3 cm. Image Size: 15 x 31.5 cm
It is signed in ink, lower margin. And it has a low edition number - as annotated by McBey in the lower margin "X" (No. 10). All the drypoint is very sooty with little wear to the copper plate at this stage of printing. All the tiny details are also present. It is certainly a very fine impression. In lovely condition with no issues. We have had it recently re-framed with a new window mount, back card and simple black frame. It is ready to just hang on your wall. My price reflects the quality and condition of this impression - I think it is better than some in some international museum collections.
It will have to be sent to you in the UK with Royal Mail Next Day Delivery so that it is insured in transit to you. It will be very carefully packed.