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Mermaid Child, The
Maker
(artist)
1891-1981
(printmaker)
1891-1981
1891-1981
(printmaker)
1891-1981
Title
Mermaid Child, The
Date of Production
(1920s?) 1920 = 1929
Medium
lino cut
Dimensions
Height: 20.2 cm
Width: 15.6 cm
Width: 15.6 cm
Accession Number
G.2009.MB.11
Mode of Acquisition
Margaret Bennett, gift, 20.1.2009
Credit
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)
Copyright
© Bodleian, Oxford
Location
Not currently on display
Label Text
This image and another similar subject in the collection appear to be illustrations for a fairy story, possibly Hans Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, although Gill’s exact source is not known. The robust cutting and simplified composition are in keeping with the rustic nature of the characters depicted.
To achieve a silhouette effect, Gill has gouged out the surface of the lino around the figures, unintentionally leaving small flecks that have picked up ink and printed black on the sheet. These marks and the incomplete cutting at the lower edge of the block indicate that this is a trial proof of an early state. The collection includes a further unrecorded state, but there is no evidence of a finished print.
To achieve a silhouette effect, Gill has gouged out the surface of the lino around the figures, unintentionally leaving small flecks that have picked up ink and printed black on the sheet. These marks and the incomplete cutting at the lower edge of the block indicate that this is a trial proof of an early state. The collection includes a further unrecorded state, but there is no evidence of a finished print.
Provenance
Previous owner : Gill, Winifred & Bennett, Margaret (Dr)
Exhibition History
Special Display - Works by Winifred Gill, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 22/05/2009-29/09/2009
Inscriptions
Inscription: inscription : : : :
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