Asa Cheffetz Signed “In Retrospect” 1930 Original American Wood Engraving

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A beautifully atmospheric 1930 original wood engraving entitled In Retrospect by accomplished American printmaker Asa Cheffetz (1896–1965).

One of Cheffetz's … Read more A beautifully atmospheric 1930 original wood engraving entitled In Retrospect by accomplished American printmaker Asa Cheffetz (1896–1965).

One of Cheffetz's early New England subjects, the composition depicts a weathered rural homestead positioned along a sweeping country road beneath an expansive, dramatically engraved sky.

Cheffetz was a master of extracting extraordinary tonal variation from the inherently limited vocabulary of the wood block. In In Retrospect, hundreds of meticulously controlled engraved lines create the illusion of changing light across the road, sky, architecture and surrounding landscape—a wonderful demonstration of the technical virtuosity for which his work is admired.

Created and printed in 1930, the work is recorded as Springfield catalogue no. 27.

This impression retains the particularly desirable original presentation of being hand-titled “In Retrospect” in pencil at the lower left and signed by Asa Cheffetz at the lower right.

The engraving is presented beneath glass with a wide period mat and slender dark frame, creating an understated presentation particularly well suited to a sophisticated collected interior.

Cheffetz's works are represented in important American museum collections, and his intimate New England landscapes occupy a distinctive place within twentieth-century American printmaking.

An exceptional piece for collectors of American Regionalism, early twentieth-century printmaking, New England landscapes and historic American works on paper.

Artist: Asa Cheffetz (American, 1896–1965)
Title: In Retrospect
Date: 1930
Medium: Original wood engraving on paper
Catalogue: Springfield 27
Signature: Pencil signed lower right
Inscription: Pencil titled lower left
Overall framed dimensions: 18 3/8" × 14 5/8"
Presentation: Period matted and framed under glass

Vintage condition consistent with age. Visible toning/patina to the mat and presentation contributes to its period character; please review photographs closely. See less