John Taylor Arms
John Taylor Arms was one of the most famous printmakers of the early 20th century. He is best known for his etchings of medieval buildings, executed with remarkable detail, realism, and a clear sense of his appreciation for the Gothic aesthetic and its spirituality. An architect by training, Arms worked for a time at Carrere & Hastings, an architectural firm whose New York Public Library remains their most significant public building. He produced a large body of prints throughout his career.
In 1913, he made his first etching and by 1927 began exhibiting his architectural etchings at the National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club in New York. He also worked in aquatint and often combined the two mediums. He was a member of many principal art organizations including the National Institute of Arts and Letters, served as President of the American Society of Graphic Artists, and is the author of Handbook on Printmaking and Printmakers.
Arms died at Fairfield, Connecticut.
Loop the Loop
Aquatint, 1920. An American plane in the upper right-hand corner against a background of luminous sky is beginning the title maneuver. This plate was used as the frontispiece to the December, 1920 issue of The Print Connoisseur. Image size 4" x 6". Very faint foxing outside of image area, otherwise very good.
SOLD
Old Corner, Rouen
Etching, 1924. Image size 4" x 6". Fine condition.
$150
A Stranger in England
Etching, 1940; edition of 150. Image size 2¾” x 5-9/16; sheet size ”5-13/16” x 8½”. Signed and dated in pencil by Arms in the lower margin. A fine impression in very good overall condition.
$225
Crystal and Jade (Homage to Jacquemart)
Etching and aquatint, 1940; edition of 150. Image size 6-9/16” x 7-3/8”; sheet size 9-1/8” x 11-15/16”. Signed and dated in pencil by Arms in the lower margin. Fine.
$575
Dreux
Etching, 1942; edition of 231. Image size 2-13/16” x 8-1/8”l sheet size 11-11/16” x 4-9/16”. Signed and dated in pencil by Arms in the lower margin. Fine.
$250
House of Our Lady, Villefranche-en-Rouerque
Etching, 1948; edition of 100. Image size 1¾” x 2-15/16”; sheet size 2-7/8” x 5”. Signed in pencil by Arms in the lower margin. Slight residual mat burn. Very good.
$150