Dawn by William MacLean

This is an etching and aquatint by American artist William MacLean. MacLean produced several etchings and aquatints for the Associated American Artists. His favorite subject was landscapes in winter. He was very gifted in depicted the snow covered lands, the bare trees and usually included a home with smoke coming from the chimney. No figures are seen (presumably they are inside staying warm). He uses aquatint to create the atmosphere of overcast, dreary skies--a condition all to familiar to those of us living in the upper Midwest. It appears he may have included some drypoint to accentuate the pine needles and cones. It's a crisp impression with rich inking. The drypoint is sharp and dark. It is signed William MacLean in pencil lower right. It is titled "Dawn" in pencil lower left. An edition is not given, but this is typical for AAA prints. They were usually issued in editions of 100 to 250. The sheet is untrimmed and mounted with hinge tape to a print portfolio. The sheet size is 15 x 12.5 inches. The mounting mat's full size is 18 x 14 inches. The original Associated American Artists' label is included. A classic example of this artist's work.

William Maclean (1897 - 1977) grew up in New England and studied art in Boston. He settled in New Hope, Pennsylvania. In addition to his fine art work, he was the editor of Legion in the 1920s and created the now forgotten comic strip Double Trouble. He published many aquatint etchings through the Associated American Artists and many featured snowy rural scenes. He was a master of the aquatint and his prints capture the quiet mood of winter.

Size: 1950s
Price: $350
Framed Size: 15 x 12.5 inches
Plate Size: 11.75 x 10 inches
Condition: Excellent
Medium: Aquatint Etching
Subject: Landscape

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.