Blasons

1950 · réf. 2053 — 1950. Good. Etching on antique cream laid paper with a deckle edge and an unidentified round watermark with an arm holding a torch 3 1/2 x 5 5/8 inches 89 x 144 mm; sheet 5 3/4 x 8 3/8 inches 146 x 212 mm full margins. Signed titled and inscribed "II" in pencil in the lower margin. One of 6 six proof impressions of the 2nd state of 2 aside from the regular edition of 300. Printed by Charles S. White. In good condition with minor mat tone and some inscriptions in pencil in the lower margin on ther verso. Ex-collection Atlantic Gallery Washington DC with the label on the mat-back. Fletcher 422. Born in 1887 in Washington DC John Taylor Arms studied at Princeton University and ultimately earned a degree in architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1912. With the outbreak of W.W.I Arms served as an officer in the United States Navy and it was during this time that he turned his focus to printmaking having published his first etching in 1919. His first subjects were the Brooklyn Bridge near the Navy Yard and it was during his wartime travel that Arms created a series of extraordinarily detailed etchings based on gothic cathedrals and churches he visited in France and Italy the plate for Guardians of the Spire was created in 1921. He used what was available to him namely sewing needles and a magnifying glass to create the incredibly rich and fine detail that his etchings are known for. Upon his return to New York after the war Arms enjoyed a successful career as a graphic artist created a series of etchings of American cities and published Handbook of Print Making and Print Makers Macmillan 1934. He served as President of the Society of American Graphic Artists and in 1933 was made a full member of the National Academy of Design. Arms died in Fairfield Connecticut in 1953. unknown