|
|
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: 4
|
Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Woolly Mammoth
8-7/8 x 9 in.
Etching, 1931-1937, probably an edition of less than 50. Signed and dated in the plate, lower right, signed in pencil. In good condition printed on heavy wove paper with adequate margins.
$225. |
|
|
| |
Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Bison on the Trail or The Long Trail
6-1/2 x 3-7/8 in.
Etching, 1921, edition limited but unknown. Signed and dated in the plate; signed in pencil, preceding the published edition in The Print Connoisseur, Vol.2, No.2. An excellent impression in very good condition printed on laid paper with a partial watermark; substantial margins.
$200. |
|
|
| |
Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Ariel
9-3/8 x 4-3/4 in.
Aquatint with etching, 1935, probably an edition of 50 or less. Signed in pencil. Printed on wove paper with large margins in an archival mat. In good condition aside from minor soiling in the margins and verso of the paper.
$225. |
|
|
| |
|
