Etching and Dry Point Titled "Belfry of Bruges" by William Strang

This etching was published in 1899 in the volume "Western Flanders" printed in London, England. This particular volume was number 243 of 250. The paper was handmade by Van Gelder. The etching normally is an intaglio process in which the artist uses a tool to drawing lines in a metal plate (often copper for small editions). This drawing can be supplemented by a heavy instrument that gouges out deeper furrows. This is referred to as dry point. The result is that the deeper areas receive more ink and show up in the finished print as darker or richer areas. William Strang (1859-1921) was one of Britain's great print makers and specialized in etching. It is signed in the print and dated 1898, the year when he executed the etching. It is framed in a late 19th or early 20th Century frame and matted behind conservation mat board.

Condition is excellent but does not retain its full sheet. Print was cleaned and neutralized by prior owner. Frame is vintage and has had minor restorations.

Measurements are: etching, 9 inches x 4 7/8 inches plus margins; frame, outer dimensions, 17 3/4 inches x 13 1/4 inches.

This is a dramatic and skilled example of fine art print making as it was done in Britain at the turn of the 20th Century. That was the golden age of of British print making.