Sketch Identification

viperlt86 · December 1st, 2010, 09:58 PM

I know absolutely nothing about art. But, I was digging through my great uncle's photo albums and found a sketch that I really like, so I had it framed. I would like to know more about it. It appears to be done with charcoal and it is signed and numbered. However, I cannot make out the signature in order to do any research upon the artist. Any help or information you could provide would be helpful. Thanks!

mp.kunst · December 2nd, 2010, 12:39 AM

It is not a sketch but a etching.

Etching is the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal. The plate is inked all over, and then the ink wiped off the surface, leaving only the ink in the etched lines.

The plate is then put through a high-pressure printing press together with a sheet of paper (often moistened to soften it). The paper picks up the ink from the etched lines, making a print.

viperlt86 · December 2nd, 2010, 11:13 AM

Does anyone know if this is a real place and if so where it is? Also can anyone help me make out the signature? All I can get is R. Halt--y. Thanks!

Hercules Brabazon · April 14th, 2011, 10:04 AM

Perhaps it says "RG Mathews". i.e,The Canadian-born Richard George Mathews (1879-1955). The etching on this page is rather similar

http://www.vintageprints.ca/art%20deco.htm

But I can't find his signature.

John · April 14th, 2011, 11:34 AM

The signature is right there at the lower right (below the image itself), and it's exactly the same. Good find!

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December 2nd, 2010, 12:39 AM	#2
mp.kunst Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 95	It is not a sketch but a etching. Etching is the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal. The plate is inked all over, and then the ink wiped off the surface, leaving only the ink in the etched lines. The plate is then put through a high-pressure printing press together with a sheet of paper (often moistened to soften it). The paper picks up the ink from the etched lines, making a print.

December 2nd, 2010, 11:13 AM	#3
viperlt86 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	Does anyone know if this is a real place and if so where it is? Also can anyone help me make out the signature? All I can get is R. Halt--y. Thanks!

April 14th, 2011, 10:04 AM	#4
Hercules Brabazon Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 118	Perhaps it says "RG Mathews". i.e,The Canadian-born Richard George Mathews (1879-1955). The etching on this page is rather similar http://www.vintageprints.ca/art%20deco.htm But I can't find his signature.

April 14th, 2011, 11:34 AM	#5
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,401	The signature is right there at the lower right (below the image itself), and it's exactly the same. Good find!