$10,665
Martin Lewis (American, 1881-1962) Which Way? , 1932, edition of 50 plus 3 proof (McCarron, 99). Signed "Martin Lewis-" in pencil l.r., inscribed "to Mister Edmund B. from Martin L./Mar 40 With better wishes than I can tell-" in pencil l.l. Aquatint on paper, plate size 10 3/8 x 15 7/8 in. (26.3 x 40.2 cm), framed. Condition: Margins over 1 1/2 inches, toning, staining, glue residue to margins, very subtle rubs to image u.r., white cloth tape to upper edge on verso, adhered to facing mat at corner l.l. The sheet measures 13 7/8 x 19 1/4 with top and right margins of 1 5/8 inches; left and lower margins of 1 7/8 inches. There is mat burn about 1/4 inch outside of the plate mark, and outside of the mat burn is glue residue. There is general toning, and staining from previous contact to corregated cardboard. The adhesion of the lower left corner is probable due to water damage or similar. N.B. In describing this work Paul McCarron writes, " Which Way? displays masterful use of aquatint. The pinpoint stars in the sky show the handle and part of the cup of the Little Dipper constellation. Lewis also used headlights as the sole source of illumination…" (1) 1. Paul McCarron, The Prints of Martin Lewis: A Catalogue Raisonne (M. Hausberg: Bronxville, N.Y.), 1995, p. 179.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-01-29
