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Sir Francis Seymour Haden

1818 - 1910

Windsor by Francis Seymour Haden
 

Windsor   1878

  Original etching.
Signed in pencil.
Ref: Schneiderman 186 viii/xii; Harrington 199 i/iv
S 392 x 522 mm; P & I 330 x 445 mm
SOLD
 
Original Francis Seymour Haden etching.

Excellent, strong impression of this impressive etching. Windsor is one of the largest of Haden’s etched plates and was commissioned by The Fine Art Society, London. This striking impression printed in brown ink is one of only 25 signed proofs printed in Harrington’s first state state of the etching.

This large etching was based upon a charcoal and chalk sketch which Haden noted was prepared whilst “sitting on a railway bridge in bodily fear of train”. The view shows a creek which leads into the Thames at Windsor. In the foreground are two of the schoolboys from Eton College public school who would come here regularly to swim. Windsor Castle, the principal residence of the Royal Family, dominates the scene.

Windsor was one of the most expensive etchings which Haden produced and is listed in the Gutekunst catalogue of Haden’s works at 8 guineas an impression, in July 1911. Only 20 impressions are listed as remaining at this time (one of the smallest supplies of any of Haden’s etched works) and all of these had been sold by October that year – all of these impressions would have been of the later published states, unlike this first state example.

On firm wove toned paper with wide margins, as issued. Time tone to sheet, otherwise very good original condition.

Provenance: Collection of Anthony Pugh-Thomas.