image of a large bell surrounded by wooden deck with railing; suspended from straps over wooden board; arched wooden form avobe bell; bell decorated iwth a band of Latin text near the bottom with a cross; artist initials and date included in engraving at very top; on cream colored paper

%C2%A9 2013 Clare Calder%2C Estate Robert Sargent Austin

The Bell II, 1927

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Robert Sargent Austin was a highly respected illustrator and engraver, sometimes regarded as the last great English engraver. He taught at the Royal College of Art and was eventually elected president of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers. He was an extremely disciplined artist and could engrave with remarkable ease. Observers said that he could engrave nearly as fast as he could draw, and could simultaneously explain his process. His attention to light, texture, and perspective add to the airiness of many of his plates. At first glance, some of his prints appear to be the work of a Renaissance master. Indeed, his favorite artist, Martin Schongauer, lived in the 15th century. Austin adopted his sinuous outlines, restrained use of cross-hatching, appreciation for empty space, and even the style of his signature. This print comes from his personal archive of proof impressions.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
The Bell II
Artist Life
1895-1973
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.70.22
Provenance
The artist; by descent to his daughters Rachel (1933-2012) and Clare (b. 1929), Chiswick, London (until 2013; given to MIA)
Catalogue Raisonne
Campbell Dodgson 73
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

image of a large bell surrounded by wooden deck with railing; suspended from straps over wooden board; arched wooden form avobe bell; bell decorated iwth a band of Latin text near the bottom with a cross; artist initials and date included in engraving at very top; on cream colored paper

© 2013 Clare Calder, Estate Robert Sargent Austin