Walter MacEwen was one of several American Artist who traveled to Europe, at the turn of the 20^th century, to paint the nostalgic scenes of the Dutch society in a pre-modern way of life.   He was noted for his paintings of costumed figures.  Several American Artists often manipulated the visual reality of Holland to enhance the beauty and appeal of a composition.  Some modified architectural settings for dramatic impact, and others combined costumes from different towns and regions in ways that did not reflect contemporary reality.  MacEwen’s “The Ghost Story”, for instance, was painted in the village of Hattem but borrowed parts of the popular costume of Volendam, on the opposite side of the Zuider Zee.

“The Ghost Story” is a well composed scene of women taking time out from their daily work to listen to a story being told by the woman in the front of the canvas.  The others, who are gathered around, are all listening very intently.  The costumes and portraits of the women are painted with great a great deal of realism.  The painting is currently owned by The Cleveland Museum of Art.

PHOTOGRAVURE -"THE GHOST STORY" from the original painting by Walter MacEwen, published by Appleton & Co. New York, in 1890.  This photogravure is in very good condition.  The picture itself measures 12 ''x 7 7/8'' and is matted to 16"x 20" in a cream colored mat for easy framing.

Photogravure refers to a type of printing process that uses photographic images to reproduce images onto paper.  Appleton & Co. produced many high quality photogravures of museum quality paintings done by the masters of the 19^th century, using this high quality method.  These are now rare images of paintings that have become very collectible.  They are printed on very heavy stock paper, and are very clear, beautiful pieces of art.