Hurricane's End

Art Historical Context

Kerr Eby's *Hurricane's End*1938) is a powerful graphic arts print that captures the raw drama of nature's fury on the coast. As a master etcher known for his realist depictions of American landscapes,by renders jagged rocks battered by a receding sea under brooding storm skies. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the generous gift of Mr. and. Harry Katz, this exemplifies the Graphic Arts-Print classification, where intricate techniques like drypoint or etching create rich textures and dramatic contrasts. Eby's printmaking prowess shines in his ability to evoke mood through light and shadow, a hallmark of his style influenced by early 20th-century American realism. Created during the late 1930s—a time of economic strife and devastating natural events like coastal hurricanes—the piece reflects humanity's awe and vulnerability before the elements. The medium's significance lies in its accessibility; prints like this allowed broader audiences to experience fine art amid the Great Depression. Visitors will appreciate how *Hurricane's End* freezes a moment of tempestuous beauty, inviting reflection on nature's enduring power. A testament to Eby's skill, it remains a captivating highlight in the Smithsonian's collection.

About the Artist

Kerr Eby · 1889–1946

Kerr Eby (1889–1946) was a Canadian-born American printmaker and painter who became one of the most accomplished etchers of his generation and a powerful chronicler of the experience of war. Born in Tokyo to Canadian parents, he grew up in New York and studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League under George Bridgman. Eby volunteered for service in World War I and saw action in Fra...