Alan Jay Gaines (American, b. 1942)
The River Steamboat, Robert E. Lee 1976
Etching
Collector's Guild, LTD., New York, The Collector's guild Ltd. blindstamp (lower left)
Signed in pencil lower right and dated
11 3/4 by 17 1/2 inches (image)
18 by 23 1/2 inches (sheet)
From TheArtofthePrint: Alan Gaines (Alan Jay Gaines): A contemporary American printmaker, Alan Gaines also listed as Alan Jay Gaines attended New York University. He then studied etching and engraving techniques under John Ross at Parsons School of Design. Since 1970, Alan Gaines has created many fine etchings, most dealing with nautical subjects and trains. His work has long been recognized for its precise detail and attention to historical authenticity. Gaines's art has been the subject of numerous one man exhibitions, including shows at South Street Seaport and the Oestricher Gallery. Today his art is included in many collections, such as the Gallerie Nautique, France, and the Wiseman Gallery, Rhode Island.
During the 1960's and early 1970's The Collector's Guild commissioned and published a number of original lithographs and etchings by leading contemporary artists from around the world. Alan Gaines created at least three original etchings for The Collector's Guild during the 1970's; these include two marine scenes with sailing vessels entering the harbor, entitled, New Bedford - Circa 1850, and The Harry L. Belton, and this original etching entitled, Denver and Rio Grande Railway which was printed and published in New York in 1978, and it bears the blind stamp of The Collector's Guild beside the date on the lower margin. The scene depicts a nineteenth century train and its cars on the Colorado mountain passes of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Railway. With all its fine details and tonal values this is a major work of railway art.