[Willem VAN LEUSDEN] Untitled mountain landscape

Japanese mountain landscape (probably after a Japanese woodcut).

Sugar aquatint etching on wove paper.
Sheet size: 11,3 x 16,5 cm. Image size: 8,4 x 13,3 cm.

Signed in pencil by the artist below the image. Pieter Vos (who wrote a catalogue on the work of Van Leusden) notes that in June of 1948 a new technique rises in the works of Van Leusden. The technique is similar to that of Hercules Seghers. First trials with this technique reproduce a book of Japanese woodcuts. As such we estimate this to be a scarce print from a small (trial) edition. Provenance: With the collection stamp of Piet(er) Vos on the rear (not in Lugt).

Made by ‘Willem van Leusden’ after own design. Willem van Leusden (Utrecht, 1886-1974, Maarssen) was a Dutch painter who lived most of his life in Maarssen, near Utrecht. He was proficient in painting, etching and engraving. His style started out realistic. He then progressed past De Stijl inspired work to Surrealist. He was active as a member of De Luis, and the circle of surrealist painters active in Utrecht 1930-’50 which also included Jopie Moesman and Willem Wagenaar.

Condition: Very good, given age. A little soiled in the top margin. Remains of attachment to carrier, top margin rear. Small crease in the lower left corner. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

PCO-C8-14