Group of two wood engravings on various papers
USA, circa 1934
Paul Landacre (1893-1963) – American printmaker
Each signed in pencil lower right ‘Paul Landacre’
Each titled in pencil lower left ‘Dark Mountain’ and ‘Shell’
Each numbered in pencil lower left ‘22/60’ and ‘19/150’
‘Shell’ with estate stamp lower left, published by Origins of Art with ink stamp verso
Each with full margins, matted
Various dimensions, the largest measuring 7 ½ x 10 ¼ in. (19.1 x 26 cm.)
Very good condition
Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Featuring the artist’s signature style, this group of two wood engravings are luminescent examples of Paul Landacre’s strong technical skill as a printmaker. “Dark Mounting’ depicts a mounting looming in the distance behind hills, with light emanating from behind its peaks. “Shell” is a still life, depicting the pearly-white shell against a rich black background, its curls heightened by shadows. On each print, finely engraved lines add dimension to the surfaces, giving the immovable subjects a lightness and movement.

Executed circa 1934, this group of two wood engravings on various papers are each signed and numbered. “Dark Mountain” is numbered twenty-two from an edition of sixty. Its image measures 7 ½ x 10 ¼ inches, and the sheet measures 10 ¾ x 16 inches. “Shell” is numbered nineteen from an edition of one hundred and fifty. Its image measures 4 ½ x 7 inches and the sheet measure 7 3/8 x 10 ½ inches. Each is matted in overall good condition with no evidence of tears, toning, stains or repairs.

Paul Landacre (American, 1893-1963)

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Paul Landacre began his career at the Ohio State University when a life threatening illness left him partially disabled. After moving to California, he began making sketches during walks he took to improve his physical fitness. In 1918, Landacre began work as a commercial illustrator, enrolling in 1923 at the Otis Art Institute where he studied a variety of media, including wood engraving. His first solo show was in the early 1930s in Los Angeles, and along with the publication of his book, “California Hills and other Wood Engravings,” he began to garner much acclaim. He was often commissioned to do book illustrations, maintaining a hand press in his house for decades.

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