Polperro, No. 2

Art Historical Context

Kerr Eby's "Polperro, No. 2," created in 1925, offers a glimpse into the quiet charm of a Cornish coastal village through the delicate medium of etching. As a print, this work exemplifies the early twentieth-century interest in intaglio techniques, where artists incise designs into metal plates using acid to produce fine lines and subtle tonal variations. The resulting impressions capture atmospheric details with remarkable precision, allowing scenes like this one to be shared widely beyond a single canvas. Acquired by the National Gallery of Art as a gift from Mrs. Fred Rieth, the etching reflects the museum's commitment to preserving American printmaking traditions. Eby's choice of subject and medium highlights the period's fascination with travel-inspired landscapes, rendered with an intimate, observational eye. Visitors can appreciate how the etching process lends itself to both crisp architectural elements and softer natural textures, inviting close examination of its craftsmanship.

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...