"Sailor and Girl" by Clark Fay, Amer., (1894-1956)

Lithograph, 1930's, ed. unknown, printed by Desjobert, Paris, 24 x 16-13/16, unsigned, on thin gray chine colle, affixed to a thick white wove support sheet measuring 29-7/8 x 22-1/4. The image and chine surface are remarkably fine, save for a tiny retouch in the dark floor at bottom center. The fully deckle edged support sheet looks it's 80-90 years. There are two small short tears  at the bottom deckle edge, scattered marginal foxing and soiling, and two areas of water staining to the bottom margin  just touching the chine at lower left. All impressions of this print and others I have handled by the artist in the past 30 years have been unsigned, but fortunately print scholar Janet Flint recognized and kindly shared his identity with me. Originally a successful illustrator and then a printmaker, Fay divided his career between the Westport, CT artist's community and Paris. Though I was never fortunate enough to meet him, all of my Fays came from the print piles of legendary dealer Rocky Gardner. Now for your delectation they are in mine. Often exhibiting an Art Deco flair, Fay's work deserves to be better known, as this large and impressive lithograph attests. Fay's witty appraisal of character, circumstance and the eternal dance of desire unfold here for our amusement and guilty pleasure. Sailor and Girl can hold it's own on a wall with any print by Bellows or Marsh. It's simply one of my favorite prints!