On many occasions, I have made references in Gather articles to my life-long hobby of collecting prints and engravings. But, in my enthusiasm for postcard stories, I have shared very little about vintage prints.
Here is one lovely drawing that I found in an antique mall in Austin, Texas.
The print is taken from a collection of international drawing that was compiled in 1911.
The artist, Nicolaes Van Der Waay (1855-1936), is Dutch. His signature can be discerned in the lower right of the drawing.
Samples of his other works, especially those that have sold at auction, can be found at this database representing artists.
http://www.artnet.com/artist/555704/nicolaes-van-der-waay.html
In the collection from which this print was taken, Van Der Waay represents “Holland”, as noted at the top of the print.
The artist specialized in contemporary scenes from Amsterdam. This drawing, in lead pencil and chalk, is done with great craftsmanship.
The apparent texture of the girl’s clothing, and the impression of streaming light, are especially well-done.
Prints such as these are very hard to value, as the market is variable and subject to rapid change.
Kinds of prints, kinds of media, particular national traditions, individual artists - may be neglected for years, so that good examples of art are available very cheaply.
(I have several woodcuts from the 17th century that I bought for a song many years ago; they now command much higher prices.)
If one searches in print shops, one usually finds a higher quality of print and some information about the provenance of the drawing or engraving.
If one rifles through the paper bins at flea markets, one can stumble upon great stuff, too, although it is less likely to be apparent.
A few basic lessons about the history of print-making can be invaluable in finding treasure.
This well-made print of a drawing would cost about ten to twenty dollars at a print shop.
(The original drawing would sell for ten to twenty times that amount.)
At the flea market, I bought it for fifty cents.
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Comments: 11
I'm curious about the subject matter. There isn't anything in particular, apart from the title, that speaks "orphan" to me here. Maybe that's just because my image would be something more ragamuffin, whereas she seems pretty well dressed.
The Dutch have a splendid tradition of social services.
It's a beautiful print! I believe you got a treasure for your fifty cents.
Too often, writing on Gather seems like sending messages into the vast electronic void.
It's easy to see why you enjoy your hobby!
They are an excellent way to measure artistic competence, and this artist endowed his subject with a very pleasing profile.
On rainy week-ends, rummaging through the Flea market for an hour has become part of my routine.
I find that I go antiquing less frequently when the weather is nice.
Also, I have found tons of antique shops near major highways, and have been able to use my business travel as an opportunity to collect old paper.
I can appreciate that, Sheila, but I am not moved in that way.
I am probably the clumsiest draftsman on God's green earth.