Drypoint Etching “Navajo Woman” [R]

Arthur W. Hall (1889-1981) spent 25 years of his career focused on developing his skill in etching. He and his wife spent years in Europe where he studied with noted English etcher E.S. Lumsden and his wife Mable Royds. He was a charter member of the Prairie Printmakers and also a member of the Society of American Etchers, the Chicago Society of Etchers, the New York Society of Etchers, and the Printmakers Society of California.  His works were selected as gifts for the Printmakers of California in 1930, the Prairie Printmakers in 1932, and the Chicago Society of Etchers in 1944.

In discussing the quality of this work, C.A. Seward once said, “Mr. Hall knows the possibilities of his medium.  His viewpoint is always that of an etcher and he renders his subject in line.  His needle seems able to accomplish anything, perhaps because he never asks it to become a brush.  He is an etcher first and last, and his glory is in the brilliant purity of the etched line and the burr of drypoint.”  Hall’s etchings received national and international acclaim. Hall was a master etcher and also as this print, entitled “Navajo Woman” exemplifies, drypoint. This elegant portrait of a Navajo woman exploits the possibilities of the drypoint technique to its fullest. Fine, crisp lines define the profile and provide detail to the background while the softness of the burr creates wonderful volume that gives depth to his regal subject. The title and Arthur’s signature are signed in pencil along the bottom of the print. 

Condition: excellent condition: very slight creases, mostly obscured in shadows

Provenance: from a prominent New Mexico family

Source Image of Arthur Hall: unknown