Louis Orr (American, 1879-1961), Three Preparatory Proofs With Hand-Drawn Additions for Orange County Court House, Hillsborough, North Carolina

each an etching, one with extensive pencil drawing and heightening with white, each made in preparation for the finished state of Orr's Orange County Court House, Hillsborough, North Carolina from his series of North Carolina landmarks completed between 1939-1952, these three prints with additional drawing show the progression towards the finished print, particularly the addition of the background building, foliage, and shadowing, unframed.

The works offered here are from a special collection of trial proofs made in preparation for Orr's famous North Carolina etchings. Many have extensive drawing and notations by Orr.
Platemark 10 x 8 in. (each approximately); Sheet size 11 x 9 in.
Louis Orr is best known for these remarkably detailed and highly collectible etchings that illustrate historic landmarks throughout North Carolina. Born in Connecticut and spending much of his formative years in Paris, people fervently began collecting Orr’s work in both countries in the early 20th century. Orr was the first American artist to have work in the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum, and his were also the first etchings to ever join the Louvre’s collection.

Robert Humber, the prominent arts advocate from North Carolina, later commissioned Orr to complete this special series of NC etchings to showcase the beauty of the State. The project took twelve years to complete, and Orr and Humber traveled from town to town with Orr faithfully depicting important landmarks throughout.

Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Several stains to the second and third; few areas of skinning to the second; single foxing mark to verso of the first.