A Brig at Anchor – Thames, Haden, 1870, British Etching Revival
€ 695
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1870
Mapmaker / artist
Francis Seymour Haden, United Kingdom, 1870
Technique
Etching and drypoint
Sheet size
21 × 25.7 cm (8.3 × 10.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14278-18
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good antique condition with even age toning to the sheet and light scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. The plate mark is visible, and the impression remains strong, with good retention of drypoint richness. Overall well-preserved.
About this sheet
A Brig at Anchor – Thames, Haden, 1870, British Etching Revival
A beautifully atmospheric etching and drypoint titled A Brig at Anchor (also known as At Purfleet), executed in 1870 by the distinguished British artist Francis Seymour Haden. A central figure in the 19th-century etching revival, Haden championed the medium as an original artistic expression, drawing directly from nature with remarkable immediacy and sensitivity.
This composition presents a tranquil maritime scene along the River Thames at Purfleet. A brig lies anchored in the middle distance, its rigging rendered with delicate yet confident lines, while a smaller vessel rests in the foreground, its dark sail forming a striking vertical counterpoint. Beyond, a scattering of ships recedes into the horizon, suggesting the quiet industry of the river. Above, a softly veiled moon emerges through drifting clouds, lending the scene a poetic, tonal quality that reflects Haden’s admiration for Rembrandt and Dutch Golden Age landscape traditions.
The interplay between etched line and drypoint burr is particularly evident here, with richer, velvety passages enhancing depth and atmosphere. The composition feels both spontaneous and carefully balanced—an excellent example of Haden’s ability to translate direct observation into a refined and collectible print.
Haden’s prints are increasingly sought after for their painterly quality and historical importance within the Etching Revival movement. Works such as this, combining maritime subject matter with strong tonal effects, appeal equally to collectors of British prints and those seeking understated, atmospheric works for interior settings.
Condition: Good antique condition with even age toning to the sheet and light scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. The plate mark is visible, and the impression remains strong, with good retention of drypoint richness. Overall a well-preserved and visually appealing example.
Framing tips: Particularly well suited to a soft ivory or light warm-gray mount paired with a thin dark walnut or black frame. A slightly wider mat will enhance the tonal subtlety of the image and create a refined, gallery-style presentation.
