The Colt

 

Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe

 

1927  

etching 

8 3/4 x 9 7/8" platemark 

pencil, lower right 

45 of 75  

pencil editioned, lower left 

Meyrick & Heuser cat. 47 

cream F.J. Head laid 

published 

H.C. Dickens, London 

23300 

SOLD

An early etching by the British printmaker known for his images of animals, "The Colt" exemplifies Tunnicliffe's natural ability to capture the singular power of nature, seen here in the form of the draft horse. On an English farm, a trainer has harnessed a colt, described in the catalogue raisonne by Heywick and Heuser as around four years old, in a yoke so as to train it to pull a plough or cart, creating a tension at the center of the composition. To the left and beyond are two hay bales stacked in the thatched fashion, a method since replaced by mechanical baling. This work was previously glued down and there is evidence of light discoloration on the verso. There is separation of the paper at the left and right edges of the plate, two small tears at the edge of the lower margin, and one at the upper left corner where the paper was bent. Despite these flaws, the image is strong and clear, and one of Tunnicliffe's most powerful portrayals of animal movement, as well as a wonderful depiction of daily life on an early 20th century farm. The price reflects the condition.