Flying Concellos

marshflying

Reginald Marsh (1898-1954), Flying Concellos, etching, 1936, signed in pencil lower right and annotated “40 Proofs” lower left. Reference: Sasowsky 163, fourth state (of 4). In excellent condition, on a RIVES wove paper, the full sheet with deckle edges, with full margins (tiny hinges upper corners from prior hinging), 8 x 10, the sheet 11 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches, archival matting.

A fine impression.

Flying Concellos was printed in a 11 or so proofs, then 15 impressions by Marsh in July of 1936 and another 10 in October ’36 by Charles White. Since this impression is in such fine condition we surmise that this is one of the White impressions. The annotation “40 proofs” by Marsh is typical for him, suggesting his hope rather than the reality – Sasowsky indicates that only 25 impressions were printed of the final state.

Arthur Concello’s act made circus history when his wife Antoinette joined him in performing the triple somersault in the late ’30’s at Madison Square Garden, New York, the two performers both attaining the triple to display the highest peak of team flying ever witnessed at that time.

Marsh brings us up to eye level with the other performers in this daring composition.