Ransdorp
James McBey (1883-1959), Ransdorp, etching, 1910, signed in ink bottom right margin and numbered XXXVI bottom left [also signed, titled and dated 29 Aug. 1910 in the plate]. Reference: Hardie and Carter 75, only state, edition of 41, 4 7/8 x 8 15/16, the sheet 9 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches. Printed on old laid paper, with wide margins, a deckle edge bottom and sides. In very good condition, slight soiling in margins, a touch of light tone, archival mounting.
A fine impression, with a veil of plate tone on the area of water in the foreground.
At the age of 26 McBey left his bank job (which he had had for 15 years!) and traveled to Holland, where from July to September of 1910 he created a number of etchings depicting the Dutch landscape. McBey had of course studied Rembrandt’s prints, and the influence of the Master is evident in etchings such as Ransdorp (and the subject matter is reminiscent of Rembrandt’s scenic etchings as well). During this trip McBey found a folio of old laid paper which he discovered enhanced his printmaking, thereby beginning a life-long habit of printing etchings on fine old papers.