STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE CONVALESCENT” from the original painting by Birket Foster, engraved by C. Cousen, published in 1878.  This engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6 5/8” x 10”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

            The early successes of Birket Foster were achieved as a designer and engraver on wood, and in this department of art he attained high praise.  In the late 1800’s he applied himself to painting, both in oil and watercolors.  His subjects are commonly chosen from rural life, and in the delineation of trees and vegetation, either on wood or canvas, he was without a peer.  In the picture of “The Convalescent” the artist has departed somewhat from his usual choice of subject.  The sick girl, brought by tender hands from the little room in which she has long been a prisoner, sits languidly pillowed in an easy chair.  The little garden, once the pride of its lithesome mistress, now lies in neglect and disorder, while the general confusion of the surroundings tell the same tale.  The scene is bathed in bright sunshine, and all Nature seems imbued with the joyful happiness of vigorous life, while the wan face of the invalid remains in sad and striking contrast.  The paper she was reading, and the wearied hands, which supported it, now repose in her lap, while she watches with interest, which betokens retuning health, the feathered pet at her feet.  We may hope that sunshine and fresh air will soon bring back the roses to her cheeks, and that the flowers will shortly welcome the return of their gentle guardian.

            The picture claims attention from its delicacy of treatment.  The parts are in complete harmony, and as a whole it is pleasing, and awakens ready sympathy among beholders.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, and lithographs are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.