40. Reginald Marsh
(1898-1954)
Coney Island Beach

(click on image to print)
Marsh, Coney Island Beach

Coney Island Beach

Etching, 1934, Sasowsky 153 iv/iv Proof 1, 254 x 253 mm., ex collection: the American composer Carl Ruggles (not in Lugt). Fine proof impression on an irregular sheet of wove paper watermarked France, with good margins, with the pencil notation #1 and signed in pencil; pin holes at the sheet corners and a neatly repaired short tear at the upper right. The plate is apparently unique in Marsh’s oeuvre in having the ceiling of his studio fall in on it during its facture. This is apparently Sasowsky's proof number 1 of the fourth and final state, after the damage was repaired, but there are differences in the plate between this proof and the edition of 14, most particularly in the shading above the distant end of the boardwalk. It also appears generally darker and stronger than Sasowsky's reproduction, though this may be the fault of the reproduction. In an unusual reversal of process, the etching precedes Marsh's painting of the subject, which was begun by projecting an image of the etching onto his painting panel. This impression comes from the collection of the composer Carl Ruggles, a great friend of the artist, and was obtained by us from a descendent. There was a later, posthumous Whitney Museum edition, but early impressions, particularly working proofs, are rare.