A beautiful late 19th-century original etching by Herbert Thomas Dicksee RE (1862-1942) after a work by Frank Dicksee RA titled ‘Memories’. It’s a rare proof and signed in pencil by both artists.
On our right, we see an elegantly-dressed lady playing a piano while she sings a familiar tune. She’s playing from memory as there’s no sheet music in sight. Towards the centre of the composition, a second lady looks wistfully towards her - a young child resting on her lap.
Two lines from a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson are etched at the bottom: “O for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still”. This is a quote from Break, Break, Break, which was published in 1842. There are also two lines of music to accompany the quote.
The etching is printed onto vellum and a version of the same was previously exhibited at the Royal Academy.
Learn more about Herbert Thomas Dicksee in our directory.
Medium: Etching on vellum
Overall size: 34” x 29” / 86cm x 74cm
Year of creation: 1892
Condition: Overall very presentable. The etching is printed onto vellum and its undulant in places. Frame with some wear.
Artist’s Auction Highlight (for etchings): £3,800 achieved for 'Where's Master' at an auction in 2019.
