John Taylor Arms, Amer., (1887-1953), The Oldest Settler, Bayeux

Etching, 1917, also called P. Labbe, Restauranteur, also called Bayeux, Ed. of 75, 2nd State, 15-1/4 x 9-9/16, ref. F. 13, signed and dated 1917 and dedicated "To my friends, Mr. and Mrs. J. McV. Breed John T. Arms", and inscribed # 5, all in pencil, small tack holes to 3 corners, old hinges top verso, on antique cream laid paper with partial watermark, and modest but full original margins of at least 3/4, the sheet 17-11/16 x 11-1/4. A large, very early, and not commonly seen etching by Arms with a wealth of detail and authentic feeling evocation of place. The birds soaring overhead always seem to be a hommage to Meryon, who's towering talent and echoing presence Arms, like other American etchers working in France at this time, likely felt.