JJ McVicker Oklahoma Printmaker "Wintry Vigil" Very Rare & Early Aquatint

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

J. J McVicker (1911-2004) "Wintry Vigil", 1940 Very Rare and Early Aquatint This rare, early. and fine aquatint from 1940 is a excellent example of J.J. McVicker's early work. This print exhibits strength in composition, the full use of subtle tones made possible by the aquatint technique, as well as McVicker's exceptional skill at pulling and production of prints. McVicker learned his printmaking technique from his mentor Doel Reed who was an acknowledged master printmaker and full member of the National Academy of Design. McVicker took over as Chairman of the Oklahoma State University Art Department after the retirement of Doel Reed from 1955 to 1977. In the 1940's McVicker's prints echoed the Southwestern Regionalist themes of his mentor Doel Reed, and he established his reputation as one of the Southwest's leading printmakers. This print is one of the earliest examples known in McVicker's career. The masterful composition uses dramatic contrasts between the white of the snow and objects in the landscape such as fence posts, trees, and the two deserted buildings. The careful visual layering of objects like the fence posts, trees, and the two buildings creates an enhanced sense of volume and distance. The interplay of light and dark contrasting with the white snow on the ground and the white snow on the roofs of the buildings magnifies the lonely presence of the deserted farm buildings. Always one to push the limits of his medium, J J Mcvicker is able to produce exceptional contrast between areas of light and dark in this print. The blacks are exceptionally deep and saturated. The forms are sharp and precise. This is one of J J McVicker's best early career images, and old farms and derelict buildings are one of his favorite subjects. I consider this to be an important print from the early phase of of J J McVicker's career. I have been unable to document any other known copies of this print, and this is an excellent chance to purchase a very rare and particularly fine early example of McVicker's work. I purchased this print directly from the artist in the mid 1990's. It had been stored in the artist's print cabinet, and had never been mounted, framed, or exposed to light. It has remained in my print cabinet since I purchased it from the artist in the mid 1990's. The print is in exceptional condition, without flaw, and is in virtually new condition. You will not find a cleaner copy! J J McVicker's works were exhibited in, and are in the collections of some of the most prestigious museums and institutions including: His exhibitions include: San Francisco Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Seattle Museum of Art, Museum of Non-Objective Painting (now called the Gugenheim Museum), New York, Chicago Art Institute, Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Denver Art Museum, William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, National Academy of Design, Downtown Gallery, New York, Pasadena Art Institute, Oakland Art Gallery, Isaac Delgado Museum of Art, New Orleans, Library of Congress, United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Carnegie Institute, The Print Club of Philadelphia, Joslyn Memorial Art Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Salon Des Realites Nouvelles, Paris, Galleria Origine, Rome, Whitney Museum of American Art and Momentum Mid-Continental, Chicago. He is included in the following collections: Library of Congress, Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College, Texas, Springfield Art Museum, Missouri, Seattle Art Museum (Northwest Printmaking Collection), Brooks Memorial Art Gallery, Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham Public Library, Chapman Collection, Society of American Etchers Collection, California Water Color Society Collection, Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Wichita Art Association, Chicago Society of Etchers Collection, Philbrook Art Center, Laguna Beach Art Association, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Joslyn Art Museum, numerous private collections and United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Title: "Wintry Vigil", 1940 ... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.