Espero (Sketch Three, from Sketches of Espero)

Print

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The Art & History Museums of Maitland

The etching by J. Andre Smith depicts a quaint medieval street scene, complete with intricately detailed timber-framed buildings, a prominent stone tower in the background, and various architectural elements like ornate balconies and staircases. In the scene, two figures are visible near the entrance of a building, engaged in conversation, while another figure sits on the steps, creating an ambiance of quiet daily life. The composition is rich in texture and perspective, drawing the viewer into the historical charm and detailed craftsmanship.

The etching by J. Andre Smith depicts a quaint medieval street scene, complete with intricately detailed timber-framed buildings, a prominent stone tower in the background, and various architectural elements like ornate balconies and staircases. In the scene, two figures are visible near the entrance of a building, engaged in conversation, while another figure sits on the steps, creating an ambiance of quiet daily life. The composition is rich in texture and perspective, drawing the viewer into the historical charm and detailed craftsmanship.

Name/Title

Espero (Sketch Three, from Sketches of Espero)

Entry/Object ID

1992.051.056.1

Description

"Sketch three" from Smith's article "Sketches of Espero" which was published in the Architectural Record, Vol. 59, No.331 (1926)

Type of Print

Etching

Context

In 1924, Smith became bedridden with a serious illness that would profoundly alter the trajectory of his life and work. He underwent a year-long series of surgeries relating to an old injury caused by barbed wire during basic training, culminating with the amputation of his right leg. He would suffer from phantom pain for the rest of his life. His mother, who had moved in with him to care for him during his illness, died during his recovery. It was a period of intense darkness for Smith, but as he emerged from it, he created a series of works of a fantasy European town of Smith's invention called Espero, which were published alongside a short story titled "Sketches of Espero" in the "Architectural Record"(April, 1926). "From an artist's point of view the only trouble with Espero is that it is overwhelmingly full of sketchable material. There is so much to draw, and since you can't draw all of it in a lifetime you feel almost like leaving town without doing any of it at all. Nevertheless, I did force myself to concentrate on several subjects, and this is one of them. It is along the Street of the Stairs; but I can't remember how many steps up it is from the Gate of the Dead Kings. I remember only that I was leg-weary enough to be glad of a chance to sit down to rest and draw. The old house beneath in which two men are seen lace making, like so many houses of Espero, has a history of its won. Here live a man named Villoncourt who was the tailor to the equally famous and infamous Count Arrogville. The count had chosen Villoncourt because he admired his skill and also and perhaps chiefly, because the count and his tailor were built so much alike that Villoncourt need but to fit himself in order to fit the count. It was a happy arrangement for the count until one night Villoncourt, during the count's absence from the chateau, ventured to deliver the count's newest clothes in person, or rather on person; that is, he wore them himself, and he wore them so convincingly that madame, the charming countess. . .well, you know the story as well as I do." - Quote about Sketch Three by J. Andre Smith from "Sketches of Espero" 1926

Collection

Smith Collection (MAA)

Cataloged By

Oliver Boutron

Acquisition

Accession

1992.051

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Credit Line

Purchased by the Museum for the Permanent Collection

Made/Created

Artist

J. André Smith

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Signature

Location

Recto Lower Center

Transcription

Andres Smith

Material/Technique

Pencil

Dimensions

Height

10 in

Width

8 in