William Lee Hankey (1869–1952) was a British painter, printmaker and book illustrator. He specialised in landscapes, character studies and portraits of pastoral life, particularly in studies of mothers with young children.
He was born in Chester and worked as a designer after leaving school. He studied art in the evenings at the Chester School of Art, then at the Royal College of Art.
Later in Paris he became influenced by the work of Jules Bastien-Lepage, who also favoured rustic scenes depicted in a realistic but sentimental style.
He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1896 and was President of the London Sketch Club from 1902 to 1904.
He lived in France for a time and produced a body of work of French villages and Breton peasants. He taught etching at London Goldsmith's College and exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy.
His figure study etchings show great technical virtuosity
This is a fabulous etching and drypoint print by Hankey. It shows a woman preparing the family supper, she is seated with a bowl on her lap and is seen peeling potatoes. Her little child clings to his mother and looks out of the scene towards the spectator. It is typical of Hankey's style, full of atmosphere and intricate detail.
It is signed in the plate with the artist's monogram, lower right, and also signed in pencil below the image, and with the embossed artist's blindstamp.
It is undated but probably dates to the late 1920s / early 1930s. The title is "Preparing the Meal".
The image size is 29.5 x 24.5 cm
CONDITION: in excellent condition with no issues - not laid down or glued to the backing board, no staining, spotting or damages to the paper - all the lines and tones are very rich and velvety. As fine an impression as you might expect to find.
This is a fine impression which is in exceptional condition - and is being sold unframed with a new window mount. The mount is ivory in colour and made from acid-free board which is of museum quality.
HAPPY TO POST INTERNATIONALLY, PLEASE ASK FOR A POSTAGE QUOTE OUTSIDE OF THE UK.