Yale Campus, by Ellen Oakford, Amer., (1855?-1898)

Etching, 1888, published by Klackner, NY, who's etched cursive copyright and NY address are etched outside the top left ruled border. The edition is unknown, though this appears to be an earlier "deluxe" pencil signed impression before the large cursive etched title was added below to the bottom center margin. The image measures 9-3/4 x 15-1/8, not including etched "remarque" of the fence below at lower right, initialed and dated 89 in the plate and signed in pencil lower left, minor pressure marks in margins away from image, light toning within mat opening, tiny spots of foxing mostly to top margin corner, slight vertical toning at center & waviness to sheet as is common with this grayish tan simili vellum wove paper favored for late 19th century etchings published by Klackner. Ellen Oakford was a remarkable draftswoman. The precision and clarity of her etched lines remind one of Lalanne, who's instructive Treatise on Etching she was likely aware of. Very little information seems to be available on Oakford's life, but she lived for a time in New Haven CT, where she made several detailed etchings of the Yale Campus, then not long after moved to Englewood New Jersey. She taught art while in New Haven, and exhibited at the New York Etching Club, and elsewhere. Her career seems to have ended early as she passed away around the age of 43. Her birth date remains sketchy. Regardless, her etched views of Yale are quite accomplished, and it is a plus to have a scarce signed impression of this beautiful print with the fence remarque. I will post another unsigned print from her Yale series as soon as I locate it.