Sir Frank Short RA PRE. (1857-1945)

“A Dutch Greengrocerie” 

Original Unsigned Etching (Reduced Plate)

This unsigned original etching by Short is a portion of the plate known as “A Dutch Greengrocerie” 1889

Catalogues: 

Hardie 237

Strange 110

 It was reduced and printed as an illustration to “Etchings and Engravings” by Sir Frank Short, 2nd edition of 500, published by the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers in 1912.

 

One of my photos shows the relevant catalogue entry from the Hardie Catalogue 

The original plate, of which only 50 impressions measured 12.7cm x 20.1cm and was signed. This authorised reduced portion of the etching has a plate dimension of 10cm x 8.5cm and sheet of 14.8cm x 12.5cm. 

It depicts two women inside the shop, (which in fact is an old Dutch barge, crudely roofed over) and one outside seated, with the shop sign above reading “Aardappelen…Groot en Klein”

Not signed outside or inside the plate and not to be confused with the larger plate – this is one of the 500 reduced plate impressions. 

Printed on a white/light ivory colour laid paper showing O.W. P water mark right side of sheet. The etching is loose, paper hinged from the top and mounted as shown with new good quality pale cream mounting board measuring overall 35.5cm x 27.5cm and an aperture of 11cm x 9.5cm. 

A Painter and engraver, Short was born in Stourbridge, Worcestershire. He abandoned a career as an engineer for art, studying at South Kensington and Westminster School of Art. Won gold medals for engraving at the Paris Salon in 1889 and 1900. Appointed Director of Engraving at the Royal College of Art in 1891; and Professor in 1913. Short became Treasurer of the Royal Academy (1919-32) and Master of the Art Workers Guild. He was knighted in 1911 for his services to art. President of the Royal Society of Etchers from 1910 to 1938 succeeding Sir Francis Seymour Haden. 

Sir Frank Short had a seminal influence on British print making and is considered to be the father of the British etching revival; he taught many of the next two generations of printmakers. Short is also well known for reviving mezzotint engraving in Britain as an original creative medium. 

Condition is very good with no foxing, tears, damage or creasing plate or margins. 

My photographs are in natural daylight. I do not digitally enhance the images. I try to ensure what you see is what you get.