Unknown

Late 19th-Century British School, Interior Scene With Woman Reading

c. 1890

This late-19th-century etching by German draughtsman Albert Kruger (b. 1858) is after a painting by Max Liebermann (1847-1935). The rhythmical monotony of the spinners, organised like a rigid machine, echoes through the low barn. Youths, hunched by square windows, wind flax onto spindles. While women stand in clogged feet, working tirelessly with aching bones. Liebermann captured their daily grind with aplomb, avoiding sentiment in favour of laborious reality. Yet, amid this harsh environment, he celebrates their efforts. The composition conveys determination with its lines and strong verticals while the atmosphere is one of steel rather than tortuous circumstance. Liebermann was a realist yet he found light among the ordinary. Originally published in The Art Journal...

This stylish set of four early 20th-century French heliogravures depict various combinations of bedroom furniture from the period. They were published by Paul & Vigier and provide an interesting glimpse into the fashionable world of Parisian interiors. Framed and glazed. Established in 2017, Brave Fine...

This early 20th-century etching by German artist Otto Goetze (1868-1931) depicts a nude within a bedroom setting. She poses while holding a mirror and catching her reflection. Goetze was a master of provocative scenes such as this. Seemingly obsessed with the female form, his skilful etchings portray women in various states of undress. It’s interesting to consider how tastes changed during the period he worked and how the line shifted between nudes as an artwork and the more overt world of eroticism. Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860-1920) is one of the more prominent artists of this genre, particularly during the early 20th century. His earlier depictions of nudes were often portrayed under the guise of mythological subjects - wood nymphs and such - making them more palatable for display in the home. However, as time progressed, they were simply a celebration of form. Here, in around 1915, we see a work by Goetze that suggests a narrative. She’s perhaps looking at her hairstyle. Checking whether it’s ok from the reverse. She happens to be naked but within the boundaries of acceptable taste. Note how she’s without pubic hair...

This charming late 19th-century lithograph was produced by Freudenthal & Co for clothing manufacturers, TJ Thomas & Ellis Jones, to showcase the latest fashion. There are 17 styles including the DB Gladstone (after the Prime Minister), Ulster, Demi Sac, Tourist Blouse, Frock Coat and D B Prince Alfred. There’s also a Riding Habit for the lady. TJ Thomas & Ellis Jones were based at 138 Queen Victoria Street...

This late 19th-century mixed-method engraving by George Sidney Hunt (1856-1917) after Edwin Long RA (1829-1891) is one in a series of three depicting the Old Testament story of Jephthah. Here, we see Jephthah’s daughter contemplating her fate during a two-month sojourn in the wilderness. The heart-rending story of Jephthah captured Victorian minds and inspired artist Edwin Long to produce three exhibition pieces, which are now held at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Prior to a fearsome battle with the Ammonites, Jephthah, a leader in Isreal, committed a vow to God that he’d make a sacrifice if his armies were triumphant. “whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering...

This late 18th-century engraving from Thomas Bankes’ ‘New and Authentic System of Universal Geography’ depicts the evolution of ladies' fashion between 1590 and 1630. In this unusua...

Heliogravure on light weight Japan paper, full margins. Titled in pencil in the lower right margin. In good condition with some minor handling creases, dog-eared lower right corner, ...

Bernard Schardt worked on the the WPA in NYC during the Depression. (During this period, off and on, he lived with friend and colleague Jackson Pollock...

London: Thomas McLean, 1818. Third Edition. Etching with hand coloring in watercolor on cream wove paper (published August 1st, 1835), 9 7/8 x 14 inches ...

A beautiful image of fellowship and esprit de corp with bright handcoloring in watercolor. London: Thomas Mclean, August 1st, 1835. Second Edition. Etching with handcoloring in water...

London: Thomas McLean, 1835. Third Edition. Etching with hand coloring in watercolor on cream wove paper, 9 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches (240 x 348 mm), full margins. With light, fresh color....

A beautiful image of fellowship and esprit de corp with bright handcoloring in watercolor. London: Thomas Mclean, August 1st, 1835. Second Edition. Etching with handcoloring in water...