The National Academy of Design.

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Creator

French, Edwin Davis.

Title

The National Academy of Design.

Coverage

New York

Publisher

The Society of Iconophiles

Date

November 1896

Description

([Series I], “Twelve Views of New York en-graved on copper,” Publication No. 9).

Between 1895 and 1930 the Society of Iconophiles commissioned from some of the finest artists and engravers of the day a total of 119 prints in seventeen series, all relating to the history of New York and dedicated to the preservation of the monuments and buildings that had helped to define the city. Founded by Grolier Club member William Loring Andrews (1837–1920), the Society met at the Club from 1921 until its demise in 1931, and the Club retains the Society’s very full and interesting archives. Shown are steps in the evolution of a single print from concept to publication: 1) a photograph of Peter B. Wight’s Venetian Gothic National Academy of Design (now demolished), tinted and with additions by French; 2) an ink and wash sketch of the building; 3) the engraved copper printing plate (the ‘x’ reflects the fact that the plate was cancelled and defaced after publication); 4) an early state of the impression, with penciled additions and corrections by French; 5) a proof before letters of the published print, signed by the artist.