In the Open

Art Historical Context

Kerr Eby’s 1927 etching “In the Open” exemplifies the quiet power of American printmaking in the early twentieth century. Eby, known for his precise and atmospheric landscapes, used the etching process—drawing through a wax ground on a metal plate before immersing it in acid—to create fine lines and subtle tonal gradations that evoke the vastness of outdoor spaces. The resulting print, now part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection through the generosity of Mrs. Fred Rieth, captures a sense of openness and stillness that resonated with viewers during the prosperous yet fast-changing years of the 1920s. Etching held particular significance at this time, allowing artists to produce multiple impressions that brought detailed, high-quality imagery into homes and public spaces beyond the reach of unique paintings. Eby’s careful control of light and texture in “In the Open” highlights the medium’s ability to suggest both distance and intimacy, inviting contemplation of the natural world. Today the work continues to offer museum visitors a gentle reminder of art’s capacity to preserve moments of calm and connection with the landscape.

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...