#70 • Wm. Hole: "The Canterbury Pilgrims" Large Antique Folio Etching 1888, Framed 50" x 29.5"

Part of Art Auction Spectacular: Original Paintings, Lithographs and Prints from Vintage to Modern (timed auction by Lux Auctions)

High bid $28.00

Status: Sold

Category: Art

This antique large folio etching is by William Hole (1846-1917) and entitled The Canterbury Pilgrims. It depicts a procession of most of the 31 pilgrims from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, on horseback with Chaucer himself bringing up the rear. The main characters are labeled underneath, within the etching. The work was completed in 1888. There are many fine details in the art itself, and the depression mark from the pressing can clearly be seen at the border. Signed in the plate "William Hole 1888", and the following  words appear in a cursive font at the edge of the work: "Designed and etched by William Hole, RSA" and Copy righted by Robert M. Lindsay, Philadelphia 1888". The art is matted in three stacked mats and framed in a simple dark-stained wood frame. There are felt bumper pads and a wire to hang from in back. Very good condition for age - Some yellowing of the art and the triple thick mat has occurred as expected for age. The art lies flat under the glass. Three tiny pinpoint holes can be found in the border of the etching, difficult to see. Please see all photos for additional details. Dimensions: Frame is 50" wide x 29.5" tall, Art opening is 37.5" wide x 17" tall. About the artist: William Brassey Hole initially studied to be an engineer but  became a celebrated English artist, illustrator, and engraver specializing in industrial and historical material. After traveling and painting around Italy for six months, he decided to professionally pursue painting, enrolling in the School of Design at the University of Edinburgh. He was invited to exhibit at the Royal Scottish Academy and became a full member there. Despite being born and raised in England, Hole devoted much of his art to Scottish subjects and scenes, including this work, and was commissioned to do various murals and paintings for museums and councils in Edinburgh.