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Percy Francis Gethin , Irish, 1874-1916

Title

Auxerre

MediumEtching on paper

Dimensions

Sheet: 10.2 x 17.4 cm

Signedlower right: Percy F. Gethin

Credit LinePurchased, 2019

Object numberNGI.2019.66

DescriptionThis etching, issued in November 1913, was the result of Gethin’s visit to the French cathedral city in May of that year, on his return from a trip to Italy. Auxerre fascinated Gethin and he wrote to Harold Wright who worked for the London print dealers Colnaghi, of his impressions of the city: "things to dream of … I think one gets better inspiration and more variety in French surroundings, for all the beauty of Italy." This sketchy view has all the hallmarks of a plate worked up on the spot. Different weights of line describe the reflections and the church and trees on the shore while heavier cross-hatching is used for the shadows.