Description

A signed artist proof etching by Boston/New England artist Sears Gallagher (1869–1955), a Boston-born American painter, watercolorist, illustrator, and printmaker known for finely observed views of Boston, Monhegan Island, and the wider New England landscape and coast. After studying privately in Boston and at the Académie Julian in Paris, he established a successful career in watercolor and etching, producing marine subjects, rural landscapes, and detailed images of historic city architecture. Gallagher was also closely associated with the Monhegan art colony and became especially admired for the technical refinement and atmospheric sensitivity of his etchings and drypoints.

This work, titled Little Solitude, depicts a quiet winter woodland scene, with bare trees and delicate linework creating a spare, atmospheric composition. Gallagher’s handling is restrained and intimate, giving the small scene a sense of stillness and poetic isolation. This example retains an older Doll & Richards, Inc. label from Boston, identifying the artist, title, and medium as “Etching (signed artist proof).”

Little Solitude was noted in the April 8, 1922 issue of American Art News in connection with an exhibition of drypoints and etchings by Sears Gallagher at Kennedy & Co. The review described Gallagher’s interest in a new series of beach scenes in drypoint and it identified Little Solitude as one of two “lovely plates” by the artist.

This is a modest but well-documented work by a New England artist, with both a Boston gallery label and contemporary art-periodical mention — exactly the kind of quiet, historically grounded piece that rewards close looking and brings a thoughtful sense of history to a collection.

Object Details

Artist: Sears Gallagher
Title:Little Solitude
Medium: Etching on paper
Signature: Signed in pencil
Edition: Artist proof
Image / mat opening: approximately 7 1/2 × 5 1/2 in.
Frame size: approximately 13 1/2 × 11 1/4 in.
Presentation: Framed and matted
Gallery label: Doll & Richards, Inc., Boston, Mass.
Date: early 20th century

Condition Description

Framed antique etching with visible age and wear. The print shows light toning consistent with age. The mat has two small water stains near the bottom, away from the image. The simple wooden frame shows light wear. The backing paper is not attached to the frame, stained, and age-worn, with the Doll & Richards label retained on the reverse. Lifting the paper exposed a rigid backing board. The board was brittle, crumbling, and showed signs consistent with moisture retention/staining. Due to its deteriorated condition and potential risk to the etching paper, the board has been removed for preservation purposes.

Please review all photographs carefully, including the frame, mat, backing, label, signature, and visible paper condition, as images form part of the condition description. Sold as found and as shown. This etching would benefit from a bit of conservation (new mat, backing board, and UV acrylic).

Purchase Details

Price: $225
Shipping quoted separately. This is a framed work under glass and will require careful packing for safe shipment. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate. Local pickup may also be available in Warwick, Rhode Island.