Shields Harbour (Evening) by John Park

This is an etching from 1879 known as Shields Harbour (Evening) by British artist John Park (1851 - 1919). Not much is known about the artist, and this work is one of very few attributed to him. It is based on a painting by Park held in a private collection. The piece is also known by its full titie “Shields Harbor: Evening at Mouth of River Tyne”) It was initially printed by François Liénard and published in 1879 Paris in the periodical, “L'Art. There was a second printing in 1888-89 but this is likely not from that printing, as the sheet from that printing is identified as plate 44. The information included on the first printing as noted by the British Museum is also not present (Lettered below image with title and: "(Evening)", production detail: "J. Park, del. et sc.", "Fçois. Liénard, Imp. Paris.", and: "L'Art."). This leads to some confusion as to the source of this version of the etching, although it is clearly from the same period. The British museum holds a copy of this etching and describes it as follows, "A dimly lit view of the quayside of the River Tyne; masts visible to the left and a group of buildings with light emanating from their windows (right). View of a harbour in the evening, with a small boat in the right foreground ashore on the beach, two lighthouses behind, masts of mooring ships in the left middle distance”. As with many etchings from this period, it is not absolutely certain if the artist did this etching or if it is a reproduction. The inscription on the original 1879 version does indicate that J. Park designed and created the etching (J. Park, del. et sc.). Evidence for the latter is the small remarque in the lower right of a ship's hull. Artists that were commissioned to produce reproductions for books would assert their own artistic talents through a remarque (or comment) on a reinterpretation of the scene, usually incorporating parts of the original scene, in this case the two towers that are now placed in the background of the remarque. It's a beautiful tonalist view with the dramatic darkness backlit by a setting sun and the lights from the two towers. It is in excellent condition for its age. It is on a full untrimmed sheet, 14 x 10 inches. The plate is 12 x 8 inches. It is a well-struck impression with rich inking. There are no condition issues including no paper loss, tears, toning, staining, or foxing. A very dramatic etching from the late 19th century.