Memory
John Sloan (1871-1951), Memory, etching, 1906, signed, titled, dated and annotated in pencil by Sloan. Reference: Morse 136, sixth state (of 6). From the edition of 100 (110 were printed). In generally good condition apart from slight light stain, the usual drying holes around edges as characteristic of a Peter Platt printing, repaired tear near bottom right margin. The full sheet with wide margins, 7 1/4 x 8 3/4, the sheet 11 5/8 x 16 1/4 inches. Archival mounting.
A fine impression.
This impression is titled (by Sloan) Memory of 1905; Sloan has also written the initials of the three figures (other than himself, at the right): from left: the artist Robert Henri (RH); Henri’s wife Linda (LH), and Sloan’s wife Dolly (DS). Well below the platemark are the words 100 proofs.
Peter Platt was one of Sloan’s favorite printers, and Platt impressions are most desirable.
Sloan wrote of this etching: “an intimate print which has become one of the most popular of my etchings.” Further: “Henri was always amazed that I had remembered her [Linda’s] gesture: her hand rolling her fingers as she read aloud.”
Memory was made by Sloan in 1906, recording the group a year earlier (this accounts for the difference in Morse’s date, and the title (Memory of 1905) shown on this impression). Sloan wrote: “Started sketch for etching – memory of the last year at Henri’s, when about the old table from the Charcoal Club and 806 Walnut Street, would gather Mrs. Henri (just died from us), Henri, Dolly (my wife) and myself. Mrs. Henri reading aloud.”
We maintain a large inventory of Sloan prints, and always welcome inquiries about these and other fine prints.
$4500