Woman of Scanno 1926-7 |
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Original engraving.
Signed, dated and inscribed in pencil.
Ref: Campbell Dodgson 72 iii-iv/iv
S 329 x 280 mm; P & I 203 x 157 mm
SOLD
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Original R.S. Austin line engraving.
Outstanding early trial proof impression - apparently an unique proof between Dodgson's third and fourth states. Inscribed by the artist “1st trial state” and lower on the sheet “2nd trial state”, this impression shows the image completed aside from the addition of a few shading dots which were added to the left side of the right cheek. Prior to the only edition of 60 impressions. The plate is known to have been destroyed.
Begun in the last days of December 1926 and finished in the New Year, Woman of Scanno is a meticulous and striking example of Robert Austin’s work in line engraving. As winner of the Rome Scholarship for engraving in 1922, Austin became one of the leading exponents of the reintroduction of original line engraving to England during the mid to late 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 Durer. Dodgson described this plate as having a serene and monumental dignity and considered it to be Austin's finest of the year.
On cream laid paper watermarked Charles I, with full margins. Very fine original condition. |
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