A man of remarkable dual careers, Francis Seymour Haden (British, 1818–1910) was both a respected surgeon and a passionate etcher. He trained in medicine in Paris and practiced in London, where he also immersed himself in the intellectual and artistic circles of the mid-19th century. As an artist, Haden preferred the natural and immediate; he sketched directly onto copper plates during his plein air excursions. In 1866, he published Etudes à l’eau-forte, helping to reestablish etching as an art form rather than a means for reproduction. His later years were devoted to advancing the status of original prints in Britain and abroad, thereby cementing his legacy as both an artist and an advocate for printmakers.
O Laborum, Dulce Lenimen (1865), a quiet yet powerful etching and drypoint image of artist’s hands at work, served as the title page for his foundational publication Études à l’eau-forte. Lettered in the plate with the Latin phrase “O sweet solace of labors,” the print reveres artistic discipline and the humble dignity of creative labor. Its controlled line and expressive composition exemplify Haden’s belief that economy of mark could reveal greater emotional resonance.
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O Laborum, Dulce Lenimen (original Latin title) Etching and drypoint on laid Rives paper.Refs: Schneiderman 8; Harrington 94; Drake 84.Titled and s...
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