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Signed Proof Washington Engraving by Marshall.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:87.50 USD Estimated At:350.00 - 450.00 USD
Signed Proof Washington Engraving by Marshall.
<B>Signed Artist's Proof of George Washington Engraving by William E. Marshall.</B></I> Many regard this William E. Marshall engraving of George Washington to be one of the finest ever done of the Father of our Country. Marshall began his career in the mid-19th century in a watch-case factory, from there he began engraving portraits, and under the helpful hand of Cyrus Durand he took a job at the American Bank Note Company where he was a vignette engraver. Eventually he opened a studio in New York where he would produce his famous Abraham Lincoln image which is known to many as the portrait of Lincoln that was displayed in their school! This Washington portrait is in that same vein. The Library of Congress has the original print in its possesion and according to the AskArt website the curator believes that this is perhaps a one of a kind item, since she has never seen a signed copy of this print. <BR><BR>The print is signed in pencil as: <I>Artist Proof, Wm E Marshall."</B></I> The portrait measures 15" x 17" and is custom-framed and matted to an overall size of 26" x 28". Research has shown that there might possibly be several "artist proofs" signed by Marshall extant, however, the number is no more than a handful, and this is certainly one which is in near-mint condition. The ink has somewhat browned the silk backing, but otherwise this piece appears as made and in pristine display shape. Everyone has sat in their desk in a school house somewhere and gazed at images of Lincoln and Washington, and those images are burned into our heads as children.