The Sheep Doctors 1928 |
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Original etching. S 260 x 278 mm; P & I 177 x 191 mm SOLD |
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Brilliant early trial proof impression, prior to the only published edition (75 impressions).
A particularly striking trial proof impression of the completed etching, printed under considerable pressure on ‘plate’ paper. Printmakers would use exceptionally robust paper of this sort so that the heavily inked plate could be printed under unusually high pressure in order to show every detail on the plate and the exact state of progress of the etching. In view of the quality of this impression and the fact that no discernible alterations can be found between this and the published state, it is likely that this was the final test proof which met with C.F.Tunnicliffe’s complete approval as the master print prior to printing the normal edition.
It was through his brilliant etched works that Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe’s skill as an artist was first publicly recognised. Even while still a student, his first etchings were seized upon by the highly respected art critic, Malcolm Salaman, who immediately undertook to arrange their publication. C.F.Tunnicliffe went on to produce a body of nearly 100 etched works over the following decade, almost all of which reflect the English farming countryside to which he had been born. Charles Tunnicliffe’s plates are fresh, accomplished and original, and the scenes which he portrays have become social documents showing a form of rural life that has now all but disappeared.
On pale cream wove ‘plate’ paper, with full margins. Very good original condition. |
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