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 etching and aquatint techniques bring haunting realism to the scene. The image is rendered in a muted palette of greys, deep blacks, soft whites, and contrasting inky blues, evoking Newfoundland's coastal landscape’s cold, stark atmosphere. 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 strong personality and her firm control over the family home. As described in the excerpt from David Blackwood: Master Printmaker, she commanded such respect— and perhaps even fear— that the local clergyman would delay church services until she arrived, despite her habitual tardiness. Inside her home, there was no talking at the dinner table, no joking, and certainly no singing. Everything had to be done according to her strict standards. This print portrayal reflects the values of the era and the rigid expectations placed on family life in Newfoundland, particularly in maritime communities where discipline and order were highly emphasized.

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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