Bear Family
Barbara Latham (1896-1988), Bear Family, 1937, wood engraving, unsigned [signed and dated in the block]. Published by American Artists Group. In excellent condition, on an ivory wove paper, the full sheet with full margins, 10 x 8, the sheet 13 x 18 inches. Window matting, with archival board, unattached mylar hinging.
A fine impression of this charming image.
The American Artists Group was formed in 1934, during the Great Depression, with the express purpose of providing unsigned inexpensive prints which were to be widely distributed. AAG published prints by Ganso, Spruance, Meissner, Ruzicka and Lankes, among many other noted artists. Although the prices of these prints was minimal, sales were sluggish in that economy and editions were not sold out; most printings were under 200 and many under 100. Today, these prints are prized and highly valued by discerning print collectors.
Barbara Latham studied art in New England and New York, and started her career as a commercial artist. She later moved to Taos, New Mexico, married artist Howard Cook, and became famous in her own right for her paintings and prints depicting people and animals of the Southwest.