Original Drypoint Etching by Wilson Silsby (1885–1970)

Title: Houses of the Fort

Location Depicted: St. Germain-en-Laye, France

Date: 1927

Medium: Drypoint etching on laid paper

Offered here is an authentic, early drypoint etching by noted American printmaker Wilson Silsby, created during his important France period. The image depicts riverside houses and winter trees at St. Germain-en-Laye, rendered with rich burr lines and subtle plate tone characteristic of fine drypoint work.

This impression is especially desirable for its extensive handwritten pencil annotations by the artist in the left margin, including the title, location, date, and technical notes. These markings strongly indicate a working proof or artist-retained impression, rather than a standard edition pull.

The etching is accompanied by its original period gallery card, titled “Wilson Silsby Etchings,” which lists major public and private collections holding Silsby’s work, including the British Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Brooklyn Museum, Library of Congress, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and others. The card adds clear provenance and historical context and is included with the sale.

Condition

• Very good antique condition overall

• Light, even age toning consistent with a 1927 work on paper

• No tears or damage within the image area

• Strong, well-preserved drypoint lines

• Margins intact and untrimmed

About the Artist

Wilson Silsby was a respected American etcher whose works are held in numerous major museum and institutional collections. He is also the author of Etching Methods and Materials and contributed extensively to American printmaking literature.

Notes

• Original antique print — not a reproduction

• Sold unframed

• Gallery card included

A fine opportunity to acquire a museum-collected American drypoint with uncommon artist annotations and documented gallery provenance.