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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: 5
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John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
La Colegiata, Toro
9-3/4 x 12-3/4 in.
Etching, 1935, edition 153 (final state, II/II). Fletcher 284. Spanish Church Series, #12. Signed, dated, and edition noted in pencil. An inscription in pencil, "Inscribed to Jean Elizabeth Shoperd, with the best wishes from John Taylor Arms September 8, 1948." An excellent impression, printed on laid paper with a watermark, Ingres. In good condition other than a slight trace of light discoloration from a previous mat opening. Full margins, Sheet size: 12-3/8 x 19-5/8 in. Selected for Fine Prints of the Year, 1936, pl.63.
Provenance: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Water Color Club, and Kennedy Galleries, NYC.
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John Taylor Arms
American (1887-1953)
A Tower of St.Front, Perigueux
11-7/8 x 5-7/8 in.
Etching, 1928, edition 100. Fletcher 212. Signed and dated in the plate, lower left; signed and dated in pencil. In good condition, printed on antique laid paper with adequate margins. Illustrated in Churches of France, Dorothy Noyes Arms, p.96.
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