|
|
John Taylor ArmsBorn in Washington, D.C., Arms, studied at Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His sureness of hand and microscopic vision assured him a place as one of the foremost architectural etchers in the world.
Impressed with Gothic architecture he etched many of the cathedrals, gables, and gargoyles, throughout his travels in Europe. His total output contained approximately 444 prints with hundreds and even thousands of hours spent on some plates. The exquisite line work in his etchings was enhanced, by using sewing needles, thus defining the detail in the shadows and lighting, projected on stone and water.
His superb quality of draftsmanship caused the editor of The Print Collector's Quarterly, Fitzroy Carrington, to state, "For God's sake, John, don't you ever make a mistake, get drunk or something!"
Arms, also built a wonderful collection of graphic arts which encompassed thousands of images. He was considered the leading spokesman and advocate in the promotion of American graphic arts.
Bassham, Ben L., John Taylor Arms: American Etcher, Madison, Wisconsin, 1925.
Crafton Collection, American Etchers, Vol.5, John Taylor Arms, Philadelphia, 1930.
Fletcher, William Dolan, John Taylor Arms: A Man For All Time, New Haven, 1982.
Johnson, Una E., American Prints and Printmakers, New York, 1980, p.36.
Saville, Jennifer, John Taylor Arms: Plates of Perfect Beauty, Honolulu Academy of Arts, 1905.
Zigrosser, Carl, The Artist in America, New York, 1942, p.29.
Page Number: 1
|
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Light and Shade, Taxco
10-3/8 x 13-1/2 in.
Etching, 1946, (final state, II/II), edition about 279. Fletcher 394. Signed and dated in pencil. Notation in pencil, "The artist adds his best wishes, John Taylor Arms, 1946." Printed on laid paper with watermark, Italia, and a bull standing on hind legs. Awarded first prize, National Academy of Design, 1949. One of Arm's preferred plates.
Sold |
|
|
| |
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Limoges
10-1/8 x 13-1/2 in.
Etching, 1932, edition 142 (final state, III/III). Fletcher 244. Signed, dated, and edition noted
in pencil. Printed on laid paper with a watermark of a crown. Selected for Fine Prints of
the Year,1933, pl.62.
Sold |
|
|
| |
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Bark "Metis" Making Harbor
12 x 18 in.
Etching and aquatint in color, 1923, edition 200. Fletcher 133.
Signed in pencil.
$2000. |
|
|
| |
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Aspiration, La Madeleine, Verneuil-Sur-Avre
15-7/8 x 10-1/8 in.
Etching, 1939, edition 419, (final state, V/V). From the French Church series. Fletcher 329. Signed and dated in pencil. Printed on laid paper with full margins.
$900. |
|
|
| |
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Plumed Serpent, Chichen Itza
2 x 2-1/2 in.
Etching, 1940, edition about 365. Fletcher 344. Signed and dated in pencil. Dedication
in pencil, "To my friends Stow and Edith Wengenroth-John Taylor Arms, 1941." Printed on antique laid paper with full margins. Illustrated in John Taylor Arms-Plates of Perfect Beauty, Jennifer Saville, 1995, Honolulu Academy of Arts, p.72.
Sold |
|
|
| |
John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
Precious Stones
3-1/4 x 1-3/4 in.
Etching, 1946, edition 260. Fletcher 398. Signed with the artist's monogram in the plate, lower left; signed and dated in pencil. The artist's rubber stamp in center, lower margin. Printed on laid paper with full margins. Commissioned by The Miniature Print Society, Alexandria, Virginia. Complete with original folder and text.
Sold |
|
|
| |
|
