Balquhidder by David Young Cameron
This is an etching and drypoint by noted Scottish artist David Young Cameron. It depicts Balquhidder a small village in Perthshire that sits at the east end of Loch Voil. The etching shows the village from the perspective of a viewer a distance away looking across the Loch. The village seems compressed between the Loch and the forested foothills of the imposing mountains that disappear into the misty distance. This is a very effective etching by Cameron, in that he uses drypoint to emphasize the forested hills that frame the village. He leaves a film of ink on the upper portion of the plate to 'tone' the image, enhancing the sense of overcast and mist. Cameron is known for his ability to create atmosphere in his etchings and this is a great example. The etching dates from 1931, so later in his career. Four states of the etching have been documented. Based on descriptions, this is probably an example of the 4th and final state. The total number of images of all states is approximately 75. It is pencil signed D. Y. Cameron lower right, and initialed DYC lower left in the plate. It is not titled on the sheet, but the title is given on the mounting mat. The sheet is free, mounted with hinge tape to the mat and covered with glassine for protection. The plate is 13 x 9 inches and the full sheet is 15.75 x 11.5 inches. The mounting mat is 22 x 16 inches. The etching is well-struck and crisp with excellent inking of the drypoint. It is in excellent condition with no tears, stains, foxing, toning, or fading. An outstanding example of Cameron's etching.
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: $575
Size: 15.75 x 11.5 inches
Plate Size: 13 x 9 inches
Condition: Excellent
Medium: Drypoint Etching
Subject: Marine/Seascape
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