Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

Armington visited Jerusalem in 1936-37 and created this panoramic view of Jerusalem from the east, framed by an olive tree. The valley below is dotted with tombstones and the Dome of the Rock rises behind the city walls at left. Born near Toronto, the artist moved to Paris with her artist husband Frank Armington in 1905. They both learned to etch in 1908 and then traveled through Europe and to North Africa and North America to find subjects. Demonstrating an interest in traditional picturesque imagery, Armington's work also demonstrates the influence of James McNeill Whistler and the continued significance in the early twentieth century of principles espoused by the Etching Revival. Aware of coming war, the couple decided to leave Paris for New York in 1939, but sadly, Caroline died of a heart ailment a few days after their arrival.