This is a very attractive antique original pencil signed coloured etching by the artist, Robert Herdman Smith (1879 - 1945).
It comes from a limited edition of only 150 impressions and is titled below in pencil, "The Butterfly". It is signed by the artist in pencil, bottom right. It is not edition numbered as the artist tended not to add these to his works. I am not sure if the artist pulled all the impressions quoted - as this work appears to be a rarer one by Herdman Smith. The copperplate was destroyed after the artist was happy with his completed published edition.
The etching is being sold in its original hand-decorated frame - and window mount. It could possibly do with a new fresh mount on the print - but I am leaving that to the new owner to decide. It is certainly fine to hang on your wall as is. The frame (original to the work with all old labels still on the reverse, as photographed) is a simple black one with red and gold painted flashes made to resemble a Japanese lacquer effect.
The image is certainly a very attractive one - and is reminiscent of similar works done by Elyse Ashe Lord at this time. It shows a Japanese lady dressed in a vibrant blue kimono and cuddling her little child. She is in a pretty Japanese garden on a warm summer day. The title of the work comes from the little butterfly seen fluttering by to the right-hand side of the couple. This work reflects Herdman Smith's interest in Oriental subjects - and his travels in Japan.
Condition: The print is in excellent condition with no issues. The colours remain bright and vibrant.
Herdman Smith was born in Liverpool in 1879. He studied at Leeds, London, Paris, Antwerp and Munich. He loved to travel and painted not only European subjects but also scenes in Egypt, Australia, South America and Japan.
He became the Director of the School of Art at Canterbury College, New Zealand before returning to the UK, where he exhibited between 1920 and 1932 from addresses in Newlyn (1920) and Wareham in Dorset (1932). He is recorded as living in St Ives for a time in the 1940s.
As a recognized professional artist - he exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, and at the Paris Salon in France.
Postage to you will be with Parcelforce and cost £10 in the UK. This will be applied at the checkout stage of your order.