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Gerald Brockhurst, Elizabeth (Anais, also called the London Coster Girl), etching, 1922, signed in pencil lower right, also initialed and annotated “1st State” lower left margin corner [also signed, in reverse, in the plate lower left]. Reference: Fletcher 32, first state (of 10), 2 proofs in this state, edition of 76. In very good condition, with inkmarks, slight soiling and fingerprints in the margins as befits an early proof impression. 7 x 5 3/8, the sheet 8 1/2 x 11 1/8; the image is 5 3/4 x 4 3/8.
A very fine impression of this first state impression (there were only two proofs in this state), before any wear and thus with Brockhurst’s exquisite detailing intact.
In this state Brockhurst has yet to cut the plate down to the borders which he has etched in in this proof, so the plate mark is well away from the image. The composition is completed at this stage. There are some practice etching marks in the borders; these will of course be lost when the plate is cut down, and at that point Brockhurst also strengthened the borderline.
The subject appears to be Brockhurst’s first wife. A coster is one who sells goods – fruits, vegetables, crafts – on the street.
