On the Lynn, Devon, Antique Steel Engraving after S. Cook, circa 1876

About this sheet

A rocky river rushes through a steep, wooded valley. In the left foreground the water tumbles over boulders in a white cascade and then spreads into a quieter pool scattered with stones. Slender birches and dense trees crowd the left bank, while the right side of the valley rises in bare, rocky slopes. On a ledge of rocks at the center two figures pause, one seated and one standing with a fishing rod, and high on the hillside at the upper right a path carries a couple of tiny walkers. Clouds open over the head of the valley, letting light into the gorge.

The lettering reads "On the Lynn", the River Lyn of North Devon, whose East and West branches flow through deep wooded combes to the sea at Lynmouth. The Victorians called the area "Little Switzerland" and came in numbers for its scenery and its trout fishing, both of which feature here. The painter is credited as S. Cook and the engraver as J. Godfrey. The title is engraved in script with the imprint Cassell, Petter and Galpin, the London publisher, beneath.

This is a steel engraving of fine quality. The engraver contrasts the sparkling, broken water with the solid boulders and gives every clump of foliage its own texture, from the feathery birches to the coarse grasses at the waterside.

A fine gift for an angler, this view would suit a country kitchen, a den or a fishing lodge, framed in dark oak.

Condition: Light age toning; light handling soiling along the edges and a few small spots in the margins. Printed image clean.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.