Unique series of six working proofs, extensively worked up in pencil by the artist.
This unique series of working proofs runs from the very first impression printed from the plate in its earliest state, through to the seventh state, showing E.J. Detmold’s work close to completion. Each is numbered in pencil by the artist ‘I’ up to ‘VI’.
In the first state the work is found in its initial form as a delicate outline etching. The second state shows some slight shading and additional pencil work where further shading is planned. The third state is considerably advanced, with yet more shading suggested, and the fourth state shows this shading having been added to the work. The fifth state is undoubtedly the most heavily worked example in the series, with elaborate suggestions of landscape surrounding the grasshopper and ants. The sixth state shows some of these landscape elements introduced, in particular a fallen leaf balancing the composition at the lower right corner of the image.
It is exceptional to find such an elaborate series of early working proofs of E.J. Detmold’s work. This unique group illustrates perfectly the artist’s working techniques in the development of his meticulously finished etched plates.
All impressions are printed on soft cream wove paper, with full margins. All are in very good original condition.
