Daphne

Sir Hubert von Herkomer, R. A. (1849-1914) in collaboration with Norman Hirst (1862-c. 1955)

c. 1899

Mixed method engraving by Herkomer and Hirst

22 x 14 1/2 inches

Signed by engraver, inscribed 'never to be sold/ Working Proof/ No. 2'.

Herkomer devised a method of engraving he termed, modestly, 'Herkomergravure'. He would ink by hand and with swabs of cloth on a lithographic stone, take a monotype from it, and photo-engrave the result onto a copper plate. This gave a very free and soft effect. In Daphne, he used it to create the drapery and some of the skin tone. But then, on the copper plate, mezzotint has been applied by Hirst to build the skin contours of the face and shoulders, and etching has been used to give the hair and leaves form. This combination of methods, giving 'soft' and 'hard' effects, make this engraving extremely striking. It is likely to have been Hirst's own impression.

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References

The Maas Gallery. Exhibition catalogue. London, 2008. Catalogue no. 49.

Last modified 7 July 2008