This item is a steel engraving from the sculpture by J. Adams Acton called “THE LADY OF THE LAKE.”  It was engraved by E. Stodart and published in 1876.  The engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 7 ½” x 3 ½”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

We do not call to mind any portion of Sir Walter Scott’s fine poem where Ellen, the ‘lady,” and Lufra, the dog, are brought together before the reader; but each is described in different cantos. The sculptor appears to have had in his mind, when modeling Ellen, the opening lines in which she is first introduced to the reader, when, having crossed the lake, she hears the horn of Lord Fitzjames: -

                                    The maiden paused, as if again

                                    She thought to catch the distant strain.

                                    With head uprais’d, and look intent,

                                    And eye and ear attentive bent,

                                    And locks flung back, and lips apart,

                                    Like monument of Grecian art,

                                    In listening mood, she seemed to stand

                                    The guardian Naiad of the strand.”

Ellen’s companionship with Lufra, the favorite hound of her father, the Douglas, is thus related by the poet: -

                                    “But Lufra had been fondly bred

                                    To share his board, to watch his bed.

                                    And oft would Ellen Lufra’s neck

                                    In maiden glee with garlands deck;

                                    They were such playmates, that with name

                                    Of Lufra, Ellen’s image came.”

The sculptor, therefore, has done well to associate them in his composition - such devoted friends ought not to be separated, even in marble - where, as here, they stand in loving and confiding companionship, the dog looking up to its mistress as she lays her hand on the head of the gallant hound. Ellen’s figure is easy in attitude, and not ungraceful, but it is so amply clothed in light drapery, and rather elegantly arranged, that but few traces of the modeling are visible. It will be seen that in the expression of the face the sculptor has not adhered to the text of the quotation, but has rather used it as a sketch to work from.

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.