Arran by David Young Cameron
This is an etching and drypoint by noted Scottish artist David Young Cameron titled Arran. Arran is an island off the west coast of Scotland. It is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. Cameron's etching shows a shoreline with pounding waves. A couple of gulls are flying low over the beach. The scene is dark with storm clouds to the right of the image. A cloudburst highlights a ship under full sail on the Firth. Mountains rise from the midground and are framed by the sea and clouds. Several other smaller craft can be seen on the water. Cameron is best known for creating etchings emphasizing the atmosphere of a scene and this is an excellent example. He uses drypoint to darken and highlight the foreground, the gulls, and the large ship. The etching dates from 1889 and is number 14 of 30 in his 1889 "Clyde Set". The Clyde set is the first of his series of etchings. Even so early in his career, he exhibits a maturity in composition and technique that is noteworthy and portends a successful career. This etching was subsequently republished in "The Portfolio" in 1892 and reissued with one other Clyde set image in 1906. The image is not pencil signed, suggesting it is one of the reissued editions. In the plate lower right the etching is titled and the artist's name is also given. The plate size is 9.75 x 5 inches. It is framed, 15.5 x 11.5 inches. The backing is not archival and there is no mat. The etching is in fine condition. It is well-struck and inked. There is no damage, foxing, staining, fading, or toning evident. The etching has not been examined out of the frame. An excellent early work from an important series by one of the finest Scottish artists.
David Young Cameron (1865-1945) David Young Cameron is one of the most well-known Scottish artists of the late 19th and early 20th century. Best known for his etchings, he produced over 500 in his long career. His formal study began at the Glasgow School of Art, but by 1885 he was studying at the prestigious Edinburgh School of Art. It is said that his proficiency with pen and ink drawings led to encouragement to produce etchings. He is viewed as a major figure in the etching revival of the late 19th century and his prints were sought both in Europe and in the United States. His work is notable for his parsimonious use of line that focused on tranquility and atmosphere. Many of the images have considerable negative space. Quoting the National Galleries of Scotland, “His representations of the Scottish Highlands remain some of the most poetic images seen in British printmaking in the twentieth century.” He had his own press and is thought to pull his own prints. Edition sizes are generally small. They commanded a high price for the time. As a result, he became quite wealthy and used his funds to accumulate an impressive collection of art which he ultimately donated to National Gallery of Scotland. While he is best known for his etchings, he was also an accomplished artist in other media, including oil painting. Interestingly he is also credited with a significant influence on Scottish design through his promotion of ecclesiastical stained-glass making.
Price: $275
Framed Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches
Plate Size: 9.75 x 5 inches
Condition: Very Good
Medium: Drypoint Etching
Subject: Marine/Seascape
Shipping, handling and insurance is included for purchases within the US and Canada. We ship internationally. Please contact us for shipping cost and invoice information.