Arthur Briscoe (1873 - 1943)
Born in the northwestern city of Chester, the marine etcher and painter Arthur Briscoe began his art eduction at age 18 and continued formal studies at Slade Art School in London and the Academie Julian in Paris. He is widely considered to have best captured the spirit of the age of sail in the early 20th Century, a time as its last great exemplars were slowly vanishing from the scene.
An avid sailor himself, his work captured wooden ships and the men who sailed them with remarkable honesty and clarity. Briscoe was elected an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers in 1930 and became a full member in 1933. His work was widely exhibited and is held in the collections of major museums and galleries worldwide. He died at Broomfield Lodge Residential Hotel, Chelmsford.
Stowing the Mainsail
Etching, 1930; edition of 75 image size 9-3/8” x 12-3/32”; sheet size 12¾” x 17¼”. Titled and signed and dated in the plate; numbered 22/75 and signed in ink by the artist in the lower margin. A beautifully inked, masterful work in overall fine condition.
$2400
Bucko Mate
Etching on wove paper, 1926; edition of 75. Image size 11-7/8” x 6-7/8;” sheet size 16” x 10½..” Signed and numbered 66/75 in the lower margin. Laver 69.
The “Bucko Mate,” unlike most of his peers, was prone to resort to violence in order to subdue a recalcitrant or insubordinate seaman, often with the aid of a belaying pin. While relatively uncommon, this practice was deployed often enough to serve as an effective deterrent among he rank and file on board.
Very good overall condition, with light toning in the sight area.
$750
Clewlines and Buntlines
Etching on wove paper, 1925; edition of 75. Image size 7-7/8” x 13½.” sheet size 9-7/8” x 15-5/8.” Signed and numbered 54/75 in ink in the lower margin. Fine overall condition.
$975