Harlech
Seymour Haden was the unlikely combination of a surgeon and an etcher. Although he pursued a very successful medical career, he is mostly remembered for his etched work as well as for his writings on etching. He was one of a group of artists, including James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) and Alphonse Legros (1837–1911), whose passionate interest in the medium led to the so-called etching revival, a period that lasted well into the twentieth century. The extolling of etching for its inherent spontaneous qualities reached its pinnacle during this time. While the line of the etching needle, Haden wrote, was "free, expressive, full of vivacity," that of the burin was "cold, constrained, uninteresting," and "without identity."
A distant view of Harlech Castle, at center; Cardigan Bay, at left; Cliffs and two goats in the foreground, viewed from behind. Counterproof.
"State I. The castle and distant view of Cardigan Bay and Snowdon Mountains have been sketched in. On the foreground cliffs are two goats. Before additional shading in the lower left and on mountains in distance and in the sky. There are two birds in the sky at the right. With the signature and date Harlech Seymour Haden 1874 (E,l.l., à double trait).
[Source: Schneiderman, p. 293]
A distant view of Harlech Castle, at center; Cardigan Bay, at left; Cliffs and two goats in the foreground, viewed from behind. Counterproof.
"State I. The castle and distant view of Cardigan Bay and Snowdon Mountains have been sketched in. On the foreground cliffs are two goats. Before additional shading in the lower left and on mountains in distance and in the sky. There are two birds in the sky at the right. With the signature and date Harlech Seymour Haden 1874 (E,l.l., à double trait).
[Source: Schneiderman, p. 293]
Artwork Details
- Title: Harlech
- Artist: Sir Francis Seymour Haden (British, London 1818–1910 Bramdean, Hampshire)
- Date: 1874
- Medium: Etching (counterproof); between trial proof a and first state (Harrington); first state of five (Schneidermann)
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 7 1/4 × 10 5/8 in. (18.4 × 27 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
- Object Number: 17.3.616
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Sir Francis Seymour Haden (British, London 1818–1910 Bramdean, Hampshire)
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