STEEL ENGRAVING - "THE HIGHLAND KEEPER’S DAUGHTER" from the painting by Richard Ansdell, engraved by C. Cousen, published in 1877. This engraving is in excellent condition. The picture measures 10" x 7 1/2", and is matted to 11" x 14" for easy framing.  

Richard Ansdell was born near Liverpool in 1818, where, after receiving a common school education, he turned his attention to art studies. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1848, and was elected an associate member of that institution in 1861, and a full member in 1870. He is one of the best animal painters of the present day in England, although he has also produced several semi-historical compositions of more than average merit.

The picture here engraved represent scene in the Western Highland of Scotland, not far from Oban. A portion of the range of mountains seen in the distance is situated north of the island of Mull, and the water is the head of Loch Etive. The time of year is autumn; and the sportsmen have evidently just arrived, with their hounds, from Oban by way the lake. The dogs are leashed together,- two spaniels and tow setters,- and are following hungrily and expectantly a braw, fair-haired lassie, who carries, in an earthenware dish, the smoking food for their meal, which she bears aloft, lest the eager animal make a premature raid on its contents.

The principal group is admirably composed; each constituent part is full of life and action; but especially striking and vigorous in attitude is the "Keeper’s Daughter,: how is, unquestionably, the most attractive object in the picture.

Antique prints, etchings, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates. Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence. This does not, however, mean that the are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.

Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, lithographs, etc., are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one. Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated in the auction, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.

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