James B. Moore, Esq.
John Sloan (1871-1954) etching, James B. Moore, Esq., signed in pencil lower right and inscribed “100 proofs” lower left (although only 25 were printed). [Also signed and dated lower left, and titled upper left, in the plate.] Reference: Morse 126. Third state of three. In very good condition, on a cream wove watermarked Van Gelder-Zonen Holland paper, archival matting. Plate size 12 x 10, picture size 11 1/4 x 9 1/4, sheet 15 x 12 1/2, with the drying holes at left and right margin edges. This paper, the characteristic drying holes, as well as the high quality of the impression, indicate that Peter Platt (one of the great printers at the time, and one of Sloan’s favorite) was the printer.
A very good impression of this great rarity. We have not seen another impression of this print on the market in over 25 years. Sloan routinely put an edition size on his prints, but this often represented wishful thinking, or at least habit; in this case Morse gives a printing size of 25.
Sloan’s notes to his friend, advisor and supporter John Quinn tend to confirm the rarity of the print, and give us a good notion of who Moore was: “My dear Quinn – I have just unearthed this in going through some old proofs. It was drawn on copper from the life. It represents James B. Moore who, as proprietor of The Cafe Francis, Bohemian Rendezvous, figures quite importantly in the artistic life of New York. His house, ‘The Secret Lair Beyond the Moat’ was the scene of such gay parties as few of us who participated can hope or wish to see again. He dozed in the chair while I drew the copper…”
The picture at the upper right appears to portray the devil toasting a couple writhing in bed.
$3250