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Arthur Briscoe

1873 – 1943

The Bucko Mate (Plate I) by Arthur Briscoe
 

The Bucko Mate (Plate I)   1926

  Original etching.
Signed and numbered in ink.
Ref: Laver 69; Hurst 152
S 408 x 270 mm; P & I 175 x 302 mm
£420
 
Original Arthur Briscoe etching.

Very good impression numbered 6 from the edition of 75. Both signature and numbering faded due to sunlight.

A ‘bucko mate’ was a domineering and violent ship’s officer who would supplement his authority with with brute force, often using a belaying pin on lazy or wayward crew. This first plate by Briscoe of the subject was considered by some as ‘too murderous’, so he produced two alternative etchings of the same title but, in the end, this first plate was considered the best and is the one which was published in the edition of 75 signed and numbered proofs.

On cream laid paper watermarked HD, with full margins and deckle edge. Mild time tone to sheet and some slight foxing, otherwise generally good original condition.