Title: Ordinary
Artist: Susan James
About This Piece:
This elegant, hand-drawn intaglio etching captures a profile view of a gentleman riding a classic Ordinary bicycle, more commonly known today as a penny-farthing. The figure is rendered in period attire, complete with a top hat and a tailored coat, lending the scene a distinctive 19th-century air. The intricate detail of the etching technique is evident in the spokes of the over-sized front wheel and the refined outline of the rider. Executed in a warm, monochromatic sepia tone, the composition is spare yet sophisticated, celebrating a moment of early cycling history and the fashion of the Victorian era with a crisp, delicate line quality.
The name "Ordinary" is a retronym, which means it was only applied after the invention of the "Safety Bicycle" (which is the chain-driven, two-equal-wheeled design we use today). The term was used to distinguish the older, high-wheeled design from the new, safer model, making it the "ordinary" or standard bicycle of the past.
Medium: Hand-drawn line etching
Printmaking Process: hand-printed intaglio etching
Ink/Paper Combination: Sepia ink printed on Rives BFK paper.
Image Size: 5 x 4 inches
Paper Size: 10 x 8 inches
Edition Start Date: 1989
Edition Size: No more than 100 original prints plus 10 Artist Proofs.
All prints are signed, numbered, and titled in graphite pencil by the artist. All images come with a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes the artist’s signature, a detailed description of the edition, and the Passerina Press seal embossed on gold seal in right-side corner.
Edition Number of This Piece: 17/100
Mat and Frame Description: 8-ply warm white mat mounted over print margins, revealing the characteristic embossing of the intaglio plate. Surrounding frame is walnut stained hardwood. Frame and mat combination chosen to harmonize with antique feel of the artwork.
Outer Frame Dimensions: Approximately 13 x 12 inches
Title: Ordinary
Artist: Susan James
About This Piece:
This elegant, hand-drawn intaglio etching captures a profile view of a gentleman riding a classic Ordinary bicycle, more commonly known today as a penny-farthing. The figure is rendered in period attire, complete with a top hat and a tailored coat, lending the scene a distinctive 19th-century air. The intricate detail of the etching technique is evident in the spokes of the over-sized front wheel and the refined outline of the rider. Executed in a warm, monochromatic sepia tone, the composition is spare yet sophisticated, celebrating a moment of early cycling history and the fashion of the Victorian era with a crisp, delicate line quality.
The name "Ordinary" is a retronym, which means it was only applied after the invention of the "Safety Bicycle" (which is the chain-driven, two-equal-wheeled design we use today). The term was used to distinguish the older, high-wheeled design from the new, safer model, making it the "ordinary" or standard bicycle of the past.
Medium: Hand-drawn line etching
Printmaking Process: hand-printed intaglio etching
Ink/Paper Combination: Sepia ink printed on Rives BFK paper.
Image Size: 5 x 4 inches
Paper Size: 10 x 8 inches
Edition Start Date: 1989
Edition Size: No more than 100 original prints plus 10 Artist Proofs.
All prints are signed, numbered, and titled in graphite pencil by the artist. All images come with a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes the artist’s signature, a detailed description of the edition, and the Passerina Press seal embossed on gold seal in right-side corner.
Edition Number of This Piece: 17/100
Mat and Frame Description: 8-ply warm white mat mounted over print margins, revealing the characteristic embossing of the intaglio plate. Surrounding frame is walnut stained hardwood. Frame and mat combination chosen to harmonize with antique feel of the artwork.
Outer Frame Dimensions: Approximately 13 x 12 inches
