This is a fine atmospheric mezzotint print by the celebrated British printmaker, Sir Frank Short (1857 - 1945).
Short initially trained as an engineer before deciding to study art at the South Kensington and Westminster Schools. From 1891 to 1924 he was employed as Head of the Engraving School at the Royal College of Art. He was also President of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers, from 1910 to 1939. As both an artist and teacher, Frank Short was responsible for reviving the use of the mezzotint and aquatint processes. His work is in the collections of many important museums worldwide.
This mezzotint is a panoramic view of Shap Fells in Cumberland - in the Eastern Lake District. It is work made after that of the Lincolnshire artist, Peter de Wint. Short made a series of fine prints after de Wint.
Besides creating etchings based on his own designs, Sir Frank Short was renowned for interpreting the work of early nineteenth-century British painters (such as de Wint) in etching, aquatint and mezzotint.
The landscape features the rolling fields or fell land in Cumberland. The mezzotint technique used by Short is so fine - that the print almost looks like a pen and ink drawing. This is an artist's proof, an impression made by the artist to check the progress of the work. There had been an old label on the back for the frame that stated that this was a proof work. Being an artist's proof - the mezzotint has very rich dark tones and details that you find in the early impressions. The complete edition was 150.
The work has been signed by the artist, lower right.
Dimensions: Image size 10.5 x 31 cm. The mount size is 29.5 x 49.5 cm. Catalogue: Hardie 77
The print came to me with its original frame, which was sadly in a very bad state of repair. I removed the work from the frame and had it professionally remounted by our picture framer. It now has an acid free window mount and backing sheet. It has then been wrapped in cellophane to keep it clean and damage free.
I have retained the old backing board with the original details of the framer etc - this is probably original to the print - and dates to the early 20th century. I have photographed this for you.
The mezzotint is in excellent condition with no damages. If you collect the work of Frank Short, you will know that this is an especially fine one.
Postage in the UK will be £10 with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery - this will mean that it is fully insured in transit to you.