This is a fine original pencil signed etching by Hedley Fitton (1859 - 1929). It was made in the early 20th century in 1911.
This amazingly detailed and atmospheric etching shows the interior of Rosslyn (or Roslin) Chapel, just outside of Edinburgh.
Personally, I think that this accomplished etching of the Chapel with its view to the Prentice Pillar in the distance is one of Fitton's finest etchings. His attention to detail here is just so meticulous.
This etching focuses on the elaborately carved ‘Prentice Pillar’ or 'Apprentice Pillar'. Legend says that this pillar was created by the Master Mason’s apprentice using only a model of the pillar sent from Rome as his guide. The master mason had gone to Rome to see the original pillar, thinking it impossible to work successfully from the model alone. When he returns to see that the apprentice had completed pillar in his absence, the master mason became inflamed with envy and in a fit of rage slew his apprentice. As part of the the master's punishment, his face was carved into a corner of the chapel from where it would have to stare, forevermore, at the magnificent work of his apprentice.
The Prentice Pillar is an ornately carved sandstone pillar in the south-east corner of the Chapel. It separates the Lady Chapel from the main part of the building. The pillar is decorated with vines that spiral up its trunk, and the top is covered in plants. At the base, eight dragons surround the pillar, chewing on cords that come from it. The design is said to be inspired by Norse legend. Popular myth also claims that the Holy Grail has been encased within the pillar.
The pillar dates from between 1446, when the chapel was founded, and 1484, when construction stopped.
Rosslyn Chapel (now Roslin), has recently become a particular attraction for tourists, having been the setting of the climactic scene in the controversial best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code.
This large and finely delineated etching and drypoint is from a limited edition of only 100 impressions. It is signed in pencil lower right.
Dimensions: The frame is 65 x 49 cm. The image is 42.5 x 29 cm.
There is another impression of this atmospheric is in the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland. .
It is in fine condition. I am selling it framed - it might benefit from a new mount - but otherwise it is just lovely and you could certainly hang it straight onto your wall.
There are no condition issues with this etching - and all the dark drypoint areas are nice and sooty in tone suggesting an early impression taken from the plate.
HISTORY; Hedley Fitton was born in 1859 in Manchester, England. During the early part of his life, he worked as an editor and illustrator for The Daily Chronicle in his hometown of Manchester. His work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, the Royal Society of Painter, Etches and Engravers, the Royal Watercolour Association, and at the Paris Salon. In 1907, he was awarded a Gold Medal for his work by the Societe des Artistes Francais.
Fitton specialized in architectural etchings and these were always full of meticulous attention to detail. The subjects are crumbling buildings, historic street scenes, and iconic buildings - his subjects are found in London, Florence, Edinburgh, and Paris.
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