Augustus Edwin John OM RA (British, 1879-1961) |
 |
 |
Augustus John was one of the greatest British draughtsmen well-known
for his firm yet supple line. John's activity as an etcher belongs
to the Liverpool period and the majority of them were executed between
1901 and 1910. He took up etching at the suggestion of a friend and
was immensely enthusiastic towards the medium. His earliest examples
from 1901 were self-portrait studies and several portraits of his
wife Ida. His technique was loosely modelled on that of Rembrandt
and many were keen to point out the similarity. Much of their value
lies in the fact that many of his subjects were highly elusive and
shy, often tramps, gypsies, and coster-girls, giving the air of being
rather reluctant sitters.
Four exquisite little
compositions by Augustus John from 1906, prepared for the first exhibition
of John's etchings held in May 1906 at the Chenil Gallery, London.
All printed on white paper, with full margins and deckled edges, bearing
notes of the titles, numbers and publisher's number to the lower margins,
in fresh condition, within gilt frames.
References: Campbell Dodgson, A Catalogue of the
etchings of Augustus John 1901-1914, 1920. Nos 44, 78, 117 and
95.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Quincy, no 1
Etching, signed 'John f.' in the plate, and in pencil below the platemark,
numbered 22/25 in violet pencil, with title and catalogue reference
numbers in pencil at the lower edge of the sheet
Edition of 25 impressions
1906
10.5 x 9 cm (plate); 28.4 x 22.7 cm (sheet) Provenance: lot 35, Christies, July 17, 1962. Augustus John Studio
Sale. Ref: Campbell Dodgson. No 44.
This captivating etching of Quincy from 1906,
shows a young girl, facing the viewer but with a shy gaze and averted
eyes. Pre-war etchings by John are highly sought-after and this early
example dates from 1906. This example numbered 22/25 was sold in the
Augustus John Studio sale in 1962, where the examples retained by the
artist were put on sale and presumably it was from these that Campbell
Dodgson had worked when he produced the catalogue of John's etchings.
This etching is one of a number of female heads executed during the
same period, full of poise and character. This single study of a young
girl's head shows a perplexed, shy and rather contemplative sitter.
SOLD
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Girl with a sack
Etching
1906
signed and numbered 2/25
10 x 8.1 cm. (plate); 28.5 x 20.7 (sheet) Ref: Campbell Dodgson. No 78.
£600 (framed)
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
The Big Grotto
Etching
1906
signed and numbered 14/25
7.6 x 8 cm (pl.); 25.7 x 18.8 (s.) Ref: Campbell Dodgson. No 117.
£600 (framed)
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Mother and Child seated,
girl standing
Etching
1906
signed in the plate
signed by the artist in pencil and numbered 25/25
6.4 x 8.9 cm. (pl.); 21.4 x 21.1cm. (s) Ref: Campbell Dodgson. No 95.
£600 (framed)
|
 |
 |
 |