Tebessa
Print, Etching on cream laid paper • James McBey (Scottish, 1883–1959)
Style & Movement
British Etching Revival
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint; executed with fine needlework and selective plate wiping to create surface tone
Creation Period
1912
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 170 x 300 mm (plate mark); Landscape format
Subject Description
A view of the Algerian town Tebessa showing local figures congregated near a large arched doorway in a fortified wall. The composition captures the bright North African light through sparse, minimalist line work and open space, reflecting McBey's interest in Orientalist subjects during his 1912 travels.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; visible toning and minor foxing consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private collection or a specialist print dealer; pencil notations (bottom left and top left) suggest past inventory numbering and cataloging by a gallery or collector.
Art Historical Significance
A significant work from McBey's early Moroccan and Algerian travels. McBey was a leading figure of the Etching Revival, known for his spontaneous, atmospheric line that influenced the market boom of the 1920s.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's signature 'James McBey' in the plate (lower left) along with the date and location 'Tebessa 1912'. The economy of line and effective use of negative space are hallmarks of McBey's mature style.
Condition Issues
Light-strike/toning across the sheet, small foxing spots in the margins, and slight rippling of the paper at the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend de-acidification by a paper conservator and mounting with acid-free materials under UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.