This etching by James McBey, titled 'Sea and Rain, McDuff', depicts a harbour scene under stormy weather, rendered with delicate lines and atmospheric effects.

James McBey (1883-1959) was a Scottish artist known for his etchings and watercolours. He trained at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen and later became an official war artist during World War I. His work often depicts scenes from his travels, as well as portraits and landscapes. McBey's style is characterised by its delicate lines and atmospheric effects, often capturing the mood of a particular place or time. He was influenced by artists such as Whistler and Rembrandt, and his work can be found in major collections worldwide. 'Sea and Rain, McDuff' is an etching that captures a harbour scene under inclement weather. The composition is dominated by the swirling lines that suggest rain and choppy water. In the middle ground, boats and piers are rendered with a network of fine lines, creating a sense of depth and distance. The sky is filled with dense, scribbled lines, adding to the overall feeling of a stormy day. The figures on the boats and piers are small, yet they add a human element to the scene. The limited tonal range, typical of etchings, enhances the atmospheric quality of the work.