Anders Zorn, Original Etching, 1917, "Sappo"

Description

Anders Zorn   (1860 - 1920)
Original Etching on Laid Paper
8.1” x 7.1”
1917
Sappo
Anders Zorn, the celebrated painter and print-maker, rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated member of the European and American upper classes. In 1893, on his first trip to America, Zorn visited New York City en route to the Columbian World Exhibition in Chicago (also known as Chicago's World Fair).  The self-made artist subscribed to American values and immediately felt welcome in America.  Zorn wrote about America in his memoirs:
"I get on well in America and with Americans.  Their frank, straightforward manner suits my nature.  I've never really been able to stand our urban Europeans' ceremonious style and artificial customs.”
While at the Chicago World's Fair, Zorn established lasting relationships with many friends and patrons, including Charles Deering, Mrs. Potter Palmer, and Isabella Stewart Gardner.
This chance meeting with Isabella Gardner initiated a long friendship and patron relationship.
In November of 1893, the Frederick Keppel Gallery on East 16th Street in New York City held the first American exhibition of Zorn's work and ignited Zorn's popularity in this country. As evidence of his influence in America, Zorn portrayed three Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland and William Taft.
Not only did Zorn love America, but also America loved him, and continues to do so. The artist was one of the most actively collected printmakers of the early 20th Century, and was often ranked among the world's most highly-esteemed printmakers. In 1928, the
Boston Herald
published an article highlighting the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's acquisition of a collection of 110 Zorn etchings.