RARE George Emerick Essig (American, 1838-1928) "Sunset, Maurice River, NJ" Original Etching on Rice Paper Professionally Matted & Framed - This piece is a stunning, antique etching by George Emerick Essig. The piece is titled "Sunset, Maurice River, NJ" and depicts a nautical church scene in southern New Jersey. The high quality of the piece is apparent, as the piece is done on rice paper, a rare and difficult form at the time. What makes this piece even more rare, is the fact that Essig's main medium was watercolor, and not many of his etchings exist today in this high quality. The piece has been professionally matted and framed. The piece is signed in plate, "Geo. E. Essg." The piece (including the frame) measures 17" x 12". George Essig was born in Philadelphia and received his education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, studying under Edward Moran and James Hamilton. Essig was a specialist in marine scenes and often painted scenes of the New Jersey coast. His primary medium was watercolor, but during the 1880's and early 1890's he created a small number of original etchings, most based on his paintings. This etching is truly a rare find, and a wonderful addition to any fine print collection. Please note: there is a small pinhole at the top of the etching. There is also damage to the frame, please see photos.