Mrs. Captain B. Home in Wesleyville | Etching 3 of 50 | 1979

About the Artwork

Mrs. Captain B. Home in Wesleyville (1979) is a deeply evocative print by renowned Canadian artist David Blackwood. This work captures a moment in the life of Annie Winsor Bishop, also known as Mrs. A.L. Blackwood, the artist's grandmother. Born in 1884 in Swain's Island, Wesleyville, Newfoundland, Annie Blackwood was a formidable figure within her family and community. She married Captain Albert Louis Blackwood, and together, they were prominent members of the Newfoundland maritime culture.

Blackwood's use of etching and aquatint techniques brings a haunting realism to the scene. The image is rendered in a muted palette of greys, deep blacks, and soft whites, evoking the cold, stark atmosphere of Newfoundland's coastal landscape. The intricate details of the large family house, combined with the soft shadows, emphasize the solitude and quiet dignity of Mrs. Blackwood as she gazes out over the landscape. The choice of ink colours—predominantly greys and blacks—captures the severe and commanding presence of Annie Blackwood, reflecting her strong will and the strict discipline she maintained in her household.

Historical and Cultural Context

Annie Blackwood was known for her powerful personality and her absolute rule over the family home. As the excerpt from David Blackwood: Master Printmaker describes, she was so respected (and perhaps feared) that the local clergyman would delay church services until she arrived—despite her habitual tardiness. Inside her home, there was no speaking at the dinner table, no joking, and certainly no singing. Everything had to be done properly, according to her strict standards. This portrayal in the print reflects the era's values and the rigid expectations placed on family life in Newfoundland, particularly in maritime communities where discipline and order were paramount.

Dimensions and Details

• Size: 27.5" x 21.5"
• Medium: Etching and aquatint on paper
• Display: The artwork needs to be framed and is in its original frame from the time period.

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