James David Smillie Original Etching “Deer’s Leap, Lake George” 1883 Op. 27

Description

James David Smillie Original etching and mezzotint 1883 by noted American artist and printmaker James David Smillie (1833–1909), titled Lake George from Deer’s Leap.

The finely worked landscape presents an elevated view across Lake George, New York, framed by rugged rocks, twisting tree trunks and dense Adirondack foliage. Islands and distant mountains emerge through the opening at center, creating a strong sense of depth within the intimate composition.

Smillie inscribed the plate “Lake George from Deer’s Leap” at upper right. His in-plate signature and date, August 1883, appear along the lower edge, with “Op. 27” at lower right. The latter identifies the work as the artist’s 27th opus or plate rather than a numbered edition.

The print is catalogued as Witthoft 30 and was produced in three states. This light, crisply delineated impression appears consistent with the first state, published in the period portfolio American Etchings, although it has not been removed from the frame for definitive state identification.

Presented beneath glass with a layered neutral mat in a narrow silver-tone metal frame.

• Artist: James David Smillie, American, 1833–1909
• Title: Deer’s Leap, Lake George
• Date: 1883
• Medium: James David Smillie Original Etching and mezzotint on paper
• Catalogue reference: Witthoft 30
• Plate size: approximately 6½ × 4⅜ inches
• Framed size: 16½ × 12¼ inches
• Signature: Signed and dated in the plate
• Framing: Matted and framed under glass

The James David Smillie Original Etching displays age-related toning and scattered foxing, particularly in the surrounding paper and mat. The image remains detailed and clearly legible. The metal frame shows scratches, scuffs and minor finish wear.