Dr. Reese 1939 |
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Original etching.
Inscribed “1” in pencil.
Ref: Subsequent to Wright; Fletcher 79 i/iii
S 300 x 244 mm; P & I 202 x 165 mm
£250
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Original G.L.Brockhurst etching.
One of only two proofs pulled in the first state of this plate.
Excellent impression prior to the artist’s etched signature and prior to considerable shading and alterations, especially on the sitter’s jacket, waistcoat, and in the background.
Both the early state of the image and the quality of this impression, infer that the “1” inscribed in pencil probably indicates that this was the very first impression pulled from the freshly drawn and etched plate. Impressions such as this are invaluable is determining the artist’s working technique. As with many of Brockhurst’s plates, the portrait itself is virtually complete in even this, the very earliest state.
“Dr. Reese” is Dr. Charles Lee Reese (1862-1940) a noted Wilmington physician, industrial chemist and print collector. Reese is now regarded as one of the outstanding American industrial chemists of his day. In 1902 he became chief chemist of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company and organized their first research laboratory, the foundation upon which was finally erected the mighty Du Pont research organization; he was the only man ever to have total charge and control of Du Pont’s chemical activities. On his death in 1940 a large portion of his collection (about 400 prints) was left to the Delaware Art Museum. He was President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees from 1934 to 1937 and was a personal friend of Brockhurst’s as well as of a number of the other printmakers of that era. Subsequent to his death his sons, who inherited parts of his collection, have made further donations to the Museum from his collection.
On soft cream wove paper, watermarked C.P.M. Fabriano - Italy, with wide margins. Small printing mark in right-hand outer margin, otherwise very fine condition. |
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