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19th, 20th & 21st Century Fine Prints
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The Sun Dial by James David Smillie
The Sun Dial
James David Smillie
Title
The Sun Dial
Artist
James David Smillie
1833 - 1909 (biography)Year
1883
Technique
etching and drypoint
Image Size
4 5/16 x 6 1/2" platemark
Signature
pencil, lower right
Edition Size
not stated
Annotations
pencil annotated "J.D.S. imp" in lower left; artist's inscribed signature, date, and "No. 22" along lower plate edge
Reference
JDS26; NYPL24; S50; W26 (illus. p. 117)
Paper
fine Japanese cream laid
State
proof
Publisher
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Inventory ID
BC079
Price
$350.00
Description
Inscribed within the image, on the base of the sun dial, is a quote from the work this image was commissioned to illustrate: "Take no note of time / save when the sun is shining". This comes from Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, in 1883. Smillie used his brother, George, and sister-in-law, Nellie, as the models for this piece. Beyond the pair is a pastoral scene with farm animals and a hilly landscape, barns and other structures in the far distance.