Single figures, painted with great care and felicitous expression, and on comparatively small canvasses were, almost without exception, the subjects of C. S. Lidderdale’s earlier works.  The present picture, which was exhibited at the London Royal Academy, under the title of “Matelottes on the Bolounais coast waiting for the Boats,” is interesting as being his first attempt at a more pretentious composition.  The point of the scene is evidently in the little bit of open flirtation carried on between the man and the pretty, barefooted girl with whom he is conversing, or perhaps, joking.  It is clear, however, that whatever subject is under discussion, it is not acceptable to the older female mounted up, high and dry, behind the younger.  Her countenance indicates either anger or jealousy, perhaps both; and certainly, if the two stand in any degree of rivalry in a love match, it is not difficult to see which of them stands the better chance of winning the day.  The young woman seated to the right of the picture seems perfectly oblivious to all that is passing; her thoughts are probably occupied on some one of the crews of the expected boats.  The artist has succeeded in giving character to each of the figures; their actions too, are natural and unconventional; and the whole composition has the aspect of a true scene of French seaside life.

STEEL ENGRAVING – “COURTSHIP BY THE SEA-SIDE” from the painting by C. S. Lidderdale, engraved by C. Greatbach, printed in 1883.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6 ½” x 10”, and is matted to 12” x 16” for easy framing.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, 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 they 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, and lithographs 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, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.