Howe Sound From Gospel Rock, 1935
28.6 x 22.9 cm
Inscriptions
signed and dated, 'E.J. Hugues / 35' (lower left); titled, dated, numbered and signed in pencil, '"Howe Sound From Gospel Rock". 1935 27/30 Ed. Hughes' (lower horizontal)Provenance
Dominion Gallery, Montreal
Private collection, Westmount, Quebec
By descent to present private collection, France
Literature
Ian Thom, E.J. Hughes (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd, 2002), 35 [reproduced].
E.J. Hughes' drypoint etching, Howe Sound From Gospel Rock, created in 1935, stands as a testament to his deep connection with British Columbia's coastal landscapes.
Initially, Hughes explored printmaking through woodcut and linocut techniques. However, in 1935, he transitioned to producing drypoint etchings, a shift that marked a significant advancement in his artistic journey. Among the 11 etchings he created that year, Howe Sound From Gospel Rock is particularly noteworthy, showcasing Hughes's exceptional draughtsmanship. In 1955, he revisited this composition, creating a canvas titled Howe Sound, which is now part of the collection at the Art Gallery of Alberta (previously named Edmonton Art Gallery). Despite his exceptional talent, Hughes's etchings are scarce, with only around 20 known to exist.
A proof of this etching Howe Sound From Gospel Rock is in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa (Gift of the artist, Duncan, British Columbia, 1985).
