Fine PAIR of Original Etchings in Color by Prairie Print Maker and Chicago Artist Margaret Ann Gaug (1909-1983)

Fine Art : Printmaking : Etchings

 

An exceptional pair of original etchings by the noted Chicago artist Margaret Ann Gaug (1909-1983). Each of these etchings are presented in their original frames with original mats. The glass has been removed and will not be included (glass was damaged when purchased). Both are in very good condition and are mounted on a cardboard backings. The prints are slightly toned, typical of works this old. The sight area (mat openings) measure 8 ½ by 10 ½ inches. The frame sizes are 16 x 20 inches. Both frames are in great condition and are usable. The original label containing biographical information about the artist (was found on the back of the one of the works) will be included. Both are titled and signed by the artist in pencil in the lower margin below the plate area. This is an excellent chance to obtain a pair of rare colored etchings by this exceptional artist at a bargain price. Works by the artist are seldom offered on the market. Excellent subject matter, ideal additions to an art deco or fashion themed collection.

Margaret Ann Gaug (1909-1983): A fine post-war Chicago artist, Margaret Ann Gaug was known for her decorations, illustrative art, but most particularly, for her etchings. Studying at the Academy of Art in Chicago, Gaug first began to exhibit her art in 1945. During the following years, she both illustrated books and designed greeting cards. National recognition, however, developed mostly with Gaug’s fine etchings and she won awards with the Chicago Society of Etchers in both 1950 and 1955. Major institutions, which now include Gaug’s etchings in their permanent collections, include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Brussels Museum of Fine Arts, Belgium, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. This original etching printed in colours hails from a period when the artist was experimenting with Japanese style printing techniques. A traditional method of Japanese woodblock printmaking is to both fold and shrink the thin paper after all colour blocks have been printed. This method was here adopted by Gaug for colour etching, lending both a luminous quality and sharply defined areas of detailing. Unfortunately, these original etchings are very fragile and very few have survived in such a good state of preservation

She was a member of the Chicago Society of Etchers and the Prairie Printmakers of California and Illinois. Exhibition venues included the Chicago Society of Etchers and a solo show in 1941 at the Smithsonian Institution.

Her work is at the Smithsonian and in the Illinois State Library.

Item ID: GAU07032007