H.H. 79. Hubert Herkomer [pencil signature.]
[Goupil & Co., 1879.]
Etching printed in brown ink on watermarked laid paper, artist's remarque proof. From an edition limited to 25, numbered 'No 9' in pencil lower right. 590 x 440mm, 23¼ x 17¼". Very slight trace of age toning to paper; a fine impression.
Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson (1809 - 1892), Poet Laureate. Tennyson was made a baron in 1883, the first writer to be so honoured. At this time he wrote a number of verse plays on historical themes such as Queen Mary (1875) and Becket (1884). The great poet was generally seen as being beyond criticism but Sir Henry Irving rudely complained that, 'Tennyson is a great poet, but he cannot write plays. What a pity he tries, they are the greatest rubbish!' Remarque lower right of Tennyson's head directed to left, with slightly longer hair and beard. By Sir Hubert von Herkomer (1849 - 1914), painter, watercolourist, draughtsman and etcher of portraits, landscapes, genre subjects. In 1869 he began working as an artist for a newly-founded newspaper 'The Graphic'. Herkomer was also a pioneering film maker. He established a studio in Lululaund and directed a number of historical costume dramas, designed to be shown accompanied by his own music. Printseller's Association blindstamp lower left.
Printseller's Association: pg.375.
[Ref: 13095]  £350.00