STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE MOTHER” from the original sculpture by John Henry Foley, engraved by R.A. Artlett, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6” x 10 1/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

    This beautiful group, was exhibited at the British Royal Academy in 1851, and was one of the most notable objects in that year’s collection.  It is a matter for regret that the sculptor abandoned himself almost entirely to portrait and monumental statues, to the neglect of those ideal compositions, which in his earlier years seemed so rich in promise.  This course may have been due to the success of Gibson, who monopolized popular favor in classic and ideal sculpture, to the exclusion of other competitors.  Gibson’s death left Mr. Foley probably without a rival among English sculptors, but the number of profitable commissions received by him for works in the inferior branch of his art, were too tempting to be sacrificed.

    In this group, “The Mother”, traces are to be discovered of a classic ideal, but toned and softened in accordance with modern taste.  The purity of the conception suffers nothing by this process, while the effect, from the peculiar nature of the subject, is greatly enhanced.  The grouping and posture of the figures is somewhat original, but in this, also, the course adopted by the artist harmonizes very completely with the spirit of the work.  The sturdy animation of the children, and the gentle grace of the recumbent mother at once strike the beholder, while a more critical examination only severs to strengthen the favorable impression at first created.  The drapery is managed very skillfully, and the modeling of all the figures is admirable.  The effect of the whole group is pleasing in the extreme, and the satisfaction it affords is only tempered by the regret that any inducement should have been permitted by Mr. Foley to turn his attention from ideal themes. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

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 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.

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