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Gerald Leslie Brockhurst

1890 - 1978

Henry Bell, Esq. by Gerald Leslie Brockhurst
 

Henry Bell, Esq.   1930

  Original etching.
Signed and inscribed in pencil.
Ref: Fletcher 68; Wright 68 ii/v
S 277 x 200 mm; P & I  212 x 158 mm
SOLD
 
Original G.L.Brockhurst etching.

Exceptionally early working proof impression with particularly rich blacks and strong contrast. Signed and inscribed by Brockhurst in pencil “2 State”.

One of only 2 proofs pulled in the second state of the plate. In all, Brockhurst printed 8 trial proofs through five states before printing the published edition of 68 impressions of this etching in the fifth state of the plate.

This superbly worked portrait etching was created at the height of Brockhurst’s powers as a printmaker. As in all of his finest portraits, Brockhurst has set his subject against a heavily worked black background to emphasise the contrasts and the sculpturesque qualities of his sitter. This plate was commissioned privately by the sitter, Henry Bell - by 1930, when this etching was made, Brockhurst had become established as the greatest living portrait etcher and he began to receive numerous lucrative commissions from wealthy sitters of which Henry Bell was the first.

On cream wove paper with full margins. Very fine original condition.