John Lewis Brown, “Washington”, 1869

John Lewis Brown (1829–1890)

“Washington” (aka “George Washington à Cheval”), 1869, a proof-state lifetime impression before lettering for publication. This print was later published by Cadart et Luce (fl.1867–1870/1) in Paris (see the description of an impression of the lettered state held by the MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/836133).

Etching with pale plate tone on fine laid paper (Japon volant) with generously wide margins.

Size: (sheet) 39.8 x 27.2 cm; (platemark) 15.9 x 11.9 cm; (image borderline) 13.2 x 10.5 cm

IFF 5 (Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève 1954, “Inventaire du Fonds Français après 1800”, Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, p. 460, cat. no. 5).

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression on tissue-thin washi paper with generously wide margins. There is a pencil inscription by a previous collector along the lower edge of the margin (“Washington par T. L. Brown”), otherwise, the sheet is in a pristine condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains or signs of handling.

I am selling this sensitively executed proof-state etching of the first President of the United States, George Washington (1732–1799), on horseback holding a tricorner hat in his right hand and with his left hand on his chest—possibly signalling his feeling of deep commitment to his beliefs and confident leadership—for AU$286 in total (currently US$183.63/EUR172.87/GBP174.61 at the time of posting this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this exceptionally rare lifetime impression before the plate was later lettered for publication with its title and publisher details, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.