Kerrera, No. II

Art Historical Context

David Young Cameron's *Kerrera, No. II* (1912) captures rugged beauty of Kerrera, a small island off Scotland's west coast near Oban, in a masterful drypoint print. As part of Cameron's celebrated series on Scottish landscapes, this intimate work reflects his deep affinity for his homeland's dramatic terrain. Created during the early 20th century etching revival, when artists elevated printmaking to fine art status, Cameron's piece showcases his prowess as one of Britain's leading printmakers, blending precision with poetic atmosphere. Drypoint, Cameron's favored technique here, involves scratching directly into a copper plate with a sharp tool, raising a soft burr that yields rich, velvety lines upon printing. Rendered on traditional laid paper—distinguished by its visible chain lines—this medium allowed for subtle tonal variations and textured depth, evoking misty shores and ancient rocks without color. The modest plate size (10.9 × 17.5 cm) invites close contemplation, a hallmark of Cameron's topographical style influenced by Whistler and the Etching Club. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, a treasure trove of master prints, *Kerrera, No. II* exemplifies Cameron's enduring legacy in preserving Scotland's wild essence through innovative print techniques. Visitors will appreciate its tactile intimacy, bridging historical craft with timeless natural wonder.

About the Artist

David Young Cameron · 1865–1945

Sir David Young Cameron (1865-1945) was a Scottish painter and etcher who achieved international recognition primarily for his atmospheric etchings of architectural and landscape subjects. Born in Glasgow during the Victorian era, Cameron became one of Britain's most celebrated printmakers, eventually receiving a knighthood and serving in prominent positions including Trustee of the Tate Gallery a...