James David Smillie (1833 - 1909)
Painter, engraver, and etcher James David Smillie was a lifelong resident of New York City; his father, an engraver, had emigrated from Scotland in 1829. Smillie studied with his father and then at the National Academy of Design. He specialized in vignettes for banknotes, certificates, and book illustrations in addition to artistic etchings. Smillie became an associate of the National Academy in 1865, and was elected a full member in 1876. He was a founder of both the American Water Color Society and the New York Etching Club.
Up The Hill
Etching on laid paper, ca. 1880; edition not stated. Image size 5” x 7-7/8”; sheet size 8¾” x 12”. Published by Estes & Lauriat, Boston. Signed in the plate. Overall fine condition.
$150
A Bit on Marblehead Neck
Etching, 1883; second state, edition unknown; Image size 11-7/8” x 4¾”; sheet size 15¼” x 8-7/16”. Signed and dated in the plate; signed in pencil by Smillie in the lower margin. A fine impression with faint mat burn beyond the viewing area.
$775
Frauenkirche, Dresden
Etching, pencil, and white chalk, 1908; edition not stated. Image size 8½” x 11½”; sheet size 12-3/16” x 16-7/8”. "JDS, Dresden, Aug. 6th 04" in plate.Annotated "J.D.S. imp" and signed in pencil by Smillie in the lower margin. A very clean and nuanced impression with slight mat burn. Very good overall.
$375