Sunrise in the Clearing c.1922 |
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Original mezzotint. Signed and inscribed in pencil. S 380 x 542 mm; P 196 x 302 mm; I 182 x 300 mm £320 |
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Original Percival Gaskell mezzotint.
Outstanding impression, with especially rich mezzotint burr. Signed proof from the only published edition printed in warm toned black ink. Inscribed by the artist with title and the original price at the lower edge of the sheet.
A particularly fine impression of this beautiful mezzotint engraving, the fresh mezzotint burr of the plate printing with a rich velvety texture. Even in this quiet morning landscape, there is a sense of restrained drama created by the first rays of the sun striking the few whispy clouds high in the sky. The choice of the pure mezzotint medium for this subject, combined with deliberate blurring when inking the plate for each impression, has enabled the artist to create the effect of early morning mist illuminated by the first rays of the rising sun. Few British printmakers have managed to capture the timeless beauty of English landscape through the mezzotint medium so perfectly as Percival Gaskell.
On pale cream China paper applied to original warm white wove backing sheet, with wide margins. One very faint foxing spot at upper edge of image, otherwise very fine original condition. Image surface excellent. |
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