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Horace Mann Livens

1862 - 1936

Vase of Chrysanthemums by Horace Mann Livens
 

Vase of Chrysanthemums   1907

  Original drypoint.
signed in pencil and inscribed verso.
Ref: Grose 28 ii/ii
S 229 x 147 mm; P & I 164 x 116 mm
SOLD
 
Very rare. Outstanding impression with rich velvety drypoint burr. Printed with considerable plate tone, wiped at one point to produce the highlight reflection on the china vase. Inscribed twice in pencil verso “Chrysanthemums”.

The artist’s largest still-life subject to have been executed as an original print, Vase of Flowers (or Vase of Chrysanthemums) is amongst the most outstanding of Horace Mann Livens’s highly accomplished drypoint works. In this image it is not the form or ‘colour’ of the flowers and vase which are of prime importance, but the texture of the plain background and surrounding shadows. Although printed with almost uniform tone (only the single white highlight has been wiped), the artist has achieved an extraordinary three-dimensional effect in this simple image. In this plate Livens has perfected his own distinct method of defining an image through the drypoint line. It is a fascinating and highly individual achievement of printmaking.

The artist is reported to have coloured certain impressions of this print by hand.

On cream laid paper with full margins and deckle edge. Very fine original condition.