Unique. The original copperplate etched by James McBey, together with a proof impression of the etching from the only edition.
Original etching plates by James McBey are exceptional rarities.
The Crucifix, Boulogne shows the high ground rising above Boulogne harbour and Quai Gambetta, with the crucifix of the fishermen’s chapel standing out against the blank area of the clouds. To the left, the quays and housing of Boulogne fade into the distant slopes rising up towards La Portel.
All of James McBey’s plates were cancelled immediately after the edition had been printed, in this case, an edition of 76 numbered or lettered proofs. This particular plate was scored with cancellation lines, and then stored carefully – it remains exactly as left by James McBey after printing of the edition in 1916.
Excellent original condition. With the original label of T. & R. Annan & Sons of 518 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, reading “The Crucifix, Boulogne. Original Etching by James McBey”, affixed to the back of the plate.
The original etching plate is accompanied by a signed proof impression of the etching printed from the plate for the only edition. The accompanying proof is a very good impression from the only edition of 76 signed and numbered proofs and is printed on a warm white sheet of laid paper with Fleur-de-Lys watermark, with full margins. Both plate and proof are in excellent original condition.
The marginal difference between the dimensions of the platemark of the proof impression and the dimensions of the plate itself are the natural consequence of shrinkage of the damped paper of the print as it dries after printing.
