The Road to the Farm 1929 |
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Original drypoint. Signed and dated in the plate. Ref: Appleby 149 S 294 x 419 mm; P & I 261 x 208 mm (including bevel) SOLD |
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Original Edmund Blampied drypoint.
Working proof in an early state of the plate, prior to the tree stump at the right of the image being remodelled and reduced in height. An exceptionally early trial proof impression printed by Edmund Blampied while he was still working on the design, probably in October 1929 when Blampied first drew this drypoint and dated the plate beside his drypoint signature. This plate was not published until 1931, when it was chosen for illustration in Fine Prints of the Year 1931. This early working proof is prior to and aside from the normal edition of 100 impressions and is apparently unique.
This early working proof has been printed with considerable evenly wiped plate tone to allow the artist to see every detail of how the drypoint design on the plate was developing. It is a fascinating example of an artist observing the progress of his own work.
The Road to the Farm is a wonderful example of Edmund Blampied’s famous scenes of horses and peasants remembered from his youth in Jersey. In this freely handled drypoint, Blampied is exploring ways of handling light throughout the design to create a vibrant and atmospheric image capturing the rustic surroundings of his childhood.
On cream laid paper with uneven margins. Time toned within mat window area and with remains of tape at edges of sheet verso. Generally good original condition for a working proof of this nature. |
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