This is a fine antique etching and drypoint by the Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860 - 1920.
The title of this work, Valkulla (VALKULLANS SONDAG) relates to an area in Sweden where the peasant girl featured in the image comes from. She sits on the raised doorway of a rustic cabin. She is barefoot and holds a large stick. To the left - are large logs and signs of a forest in the near distance. She appears to be a young female agricultural worker and is similar to peasants appearing about the same time in the works of the French realist artist, Jule Bastien-Lepage (1848 - 1884).
Coming from more humble origins, this type of image would have had special resonance for Zorn. He was the illegitimate son of a German brewer and Swedish peasant and he grew up with his grandparents in rural Sweden. His marriage to Emma Lamm, who came from a wealthy merchant family was a fortuitous union and allowed him to pursue his artistic interests and travel.
Zorn's etchings were tremendously popular and often fetched higher prices than Rembrandts did in his lifetime. They are certainly some of the best-regarded works of the Etching Revival.
This etching is an original work by him (not a photogravure) and is signed and dated in the plate, lower left: Zorn 1912. It is also signed below by the artist, in pencil.
This is a much sought-after work by Zorn and of museum quality. It is in excellent condition with no issues. The sheet has never been laid down onto backing card, and there are no spotting or old mat tones. The sheet has full margins, as photographed. As nice an impression as you might find.
His work was always very popular in the United States - and he made portraits of three American presidents - please see my other Zorn etching in my store of the President's wife. An impression is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. It is also in the Yale University Art Collection, Harvard Art Museums, the Indiana Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Art, Boston Public Library etc.
It features in Zorn Catalogue Raisonnes (Asplund 251) and Hjert 209).
Dimensions: Mount Size: 56.5 x 40.5 cm. Image size 32 x 20 cm.
Sadly, UK posting only. It will be sent to you with Royal Mail Special Next Delivery - and this will cost £10. This will be applied to your order at checkout.