Sospel, France

Arthur William Hall

1889–1981

Sospel, France, 1933

Where object was made: France

Material/technique: laid paper; drypoint

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 213 x 250 mm
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 14 x 19 in

Credit line: Gift of Mrs. Arthur Hall in memory of her husband

Accession number: 1981.0097

Not on display

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Exhibition Label: "American Etchers Abroad, 1880-1939," Apr-2004, Reed Anderson Hall displayed his mastery of the drypoint technique in prints like "Sospel, France." In this process, burrs produced by the drypoint needle hold ink and help to create the high range of rich tonal passages visible in the print. Located in the French Alps, medieval Sospel was once the second most important town in the county of Nice and occupied a strategic position for many years. The Old Bridge that spans the quiet Bavère River in Hall’s print once served as a tollgate on the old salt route. Similar bridges have existed in this location since the 12th century. The one pictured here was virtually destroyed by German forces during World War II. Fortunately, the bridge, which has long been the town’s emblem, was fully restored in 1953 by the École des Beaux-Arts, today it appears much as it did when Hall sketched it.