Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
"Born in 1839, Ernest George lived until 1922. His official occupation was that of an architect, but he also made etchings and watercolors of architectural views throughout Europe. He was highly respected for these beautiful images which made him a much sought-after artist. As a young man, he studied art and architecture at the Royal Academy in London. George later became a member of the Royal Society of Paint-Etchers & Engravers (1881), the Royal British Artists (1889), and the prestigious Royal Academy (1917), and he was knighted for his contributions to art and architecture (1917). England’s leading art journal in the later 19th century, The Portfolio, regularly commissioned George, among others, to contribute original works of art. In addition, museums such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum own collections of Sir Ernest George’s etchings. George retired in 1920 and died two years later at the age of 83.
Tournai Cathedral is an etching made by George in 1877. As the viewer glances beyond the old cobblestone bridge in the foreground of this print, he or she gazes toward the majestic Cathedral of Tournai (in Belgium) in the distance. The darkened foreground offsets the magnificent church. The artist used short, precise lines to capture the details of the bridge. In this etching, George gives viewers the impression they are looking at a scene of everyday life. Two people going about their morning chores can be seen near the arches of the ancient bridge. Using black and white, the artist evokes a sunrise, and a hazy atmosphere in the etching. George softens the scene by representing delicate, rounded lines of shrubbery framing each side of the bridge. Overall, it is a very balanced composition. In this print the artist dramatically showcases the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady at Tournai. The church was originally designed by Nicholas Verdun and combines two important architectural styles of late medieval Europe, the Romanesque and the Gothic. The nave and central area of Tournai Cathedral (with its 5 towers) are Romanesque in manner, while the choir (with beautiful vaulted ceilings) was added later in the Gothic style. The cathedral was built from 1146 until 1325, with additions occurring in later centuries.
Meghan Dybvig "