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Will SimmonsWill Simmons was introduced to art by his father, Edward Simmons, a noted muralist who was a member of "The Ten," an artists group working in New York and Boston during the early 1900's.
After two years at Harvard, Will, decided to study art at the Acadamie Julian in Paris. He developed a strong interest in wildlife and natural history, spending days sketching at the Paris Zoo, museums, and in the Fountainbleau Forest where animals became his favorite subjects. He also trained himself to draw from memory as wildlife subjects would not pose for any artist.
Simmons once said,"Etching appeals to me because it is extremely difficult; because it breaks down attempts at definition and is so inherently suggestive- the first law is creating beauty, and finally; because it is so democratic."
A large amount of his etchings are romantic and impressionistic in displaying nature, but dramatic and technically well done. Portraying wildlife in various humorous situations with humanistic qualities gives the viewer a sensitive and elegant insight into animal life.
Simmons created over 200 prints dealing with wildlife and was a member of the Chicago Society of Etchers and the Brooklyn Society of Etchers.
Considered a "forgotten artist" of the 1930's, he showed grace and power in portraying the character of animal life.
Reference: John T. Ordeman, The Will Simmons Collection.
Page Number: 3
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Canada Geese in Moonlight
9 x 8-7/8 in.
Etching and aquatint, 1925, edition about 50 or less. Signed in the plate, lower right; signed in pencil.
$350. |
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Crossed Trails
8-7/8 x 5-7/8 in.
Etching, 1921, edition 25. Signed and dated in the plate, lower right; signed in pencil. Annotation in pencil, "Second State."
This image depicts a puma walking in snow, snarling at the tracks of man-a natural enemy. Simmons is noted for his superb story-telling qualities relating to animal behavior.
$400. |
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Raccoon
6 x 3 in.
Etching and aquatint, 1924, edition about 50 or less. Signed and dated in the plate, upper center; signed in pencil. Printed on heavy wove paper. A charming image of a raccoon peering out of its home in the hollow of a tree.
$200. |
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
The Doe
6 x 3 in.
Etching, c.1930, edition 9/12. Signed in the plate, lower left; signed and numbered in pencil. Printed on laid paper with large margins.
$200. |
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Will Simmons
American (1889-1949)
Mother of Pearls
9-7/8 x 13-7/8 in.
Aquatint engraving printed in color, 1938, edition about 50 or less. Signed and dated in the plate, lower left; signed in pencil. Printed on laid paper with full margins.
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Black Swan
8-7/8 x 5-7/8 in.
Etching, c.1925, edition about 50 or less. Signed in the plate, lower right; signed in pencil. In good condition other than slight soiling in the margins.
$300. |
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