The Puppet Master 1925-6 |
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Original line engraving
Signed and inscribed in pencil.
Ref: Campbell Dodgson 63 iv/iv
S 274 x 216 mm; P & I 173 x 162 mm
£375
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Original R.S. Austin line engraving.
Special presentation proof inscribed by the artist in pencil “To Miss Ross from Robert Austin, 1927”. A proof aside from the only edition (50 imps.), printed with plate tone.
The masterpiece of Austin’s Italian period.
The Puppet Master is one of the most famous and certainly the most sought after of all of Robert Sargent Austin’s ingenious and highly finished line engravings. A brilliant display of line engraving technique, it is generally considered to be the artist’s finest plate, standing as a tour de force in the medium.
Robert Sargent Austin was one of the leading exponents of the re-introduction of original line engraving to England during the 1920’s. Trained under the expert guidance of Sir Frank Short his technique showed a perfection which had not been seen since the time of Dürer. Selected as the finest engraver of the year, Robert Austin was awarded the Prix de Rome scholarship in 1922 and, as a result, spent many months in Italy over the three following years. The Puppet Master represents the culmination of his work in Italy. Produced just before Austin’s final return to England, it is widely regarded as the masterpiece of his Italian period. The artist chose an impression of this engraving as his principal exhibit for the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers in 1926.
The eccentric character seen in this engraving is a travelling Italian craftsman who created his own puppets to give shows in the various towns which he visited. The characters of the puppets seen behind him reflect those of the traditional Italian open-air theatre, the Commedia dell’Arte. Each puppet would be used to portray a different aspect of human nature in puppet shows where the dialogue would be invented by the Puppet Master, spontaneously, whilst his play progressed. The slightly bizarre subject of this engraving and its unusual composition have inspired Austin to create a masterwork of line engraving which stands alone in its fascination.
On laid paper with full margins. Pronounced time tone to sheet, otherwise very good original condition. |
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