Rare Albert Sterner Signed “The Doctor” 1928 Etching—Artist-Inscribed 2nd State, Edition of 50

Details

Description

An exceptionally uncommon, signed and artist-inscribed second-state impression of “The Doctor,” created in 1928 by noted American painter, illustrator, and … Read more An exceptionally uncommon, signed and artist-inscribed second-state impression of “The Doctor,” created in 1928 by noted American painter, illustrator, and printmaker Albert Edward Sterner (1863–1946).

Executed as an original intaglio etching, the composition captures a charged clinical moment: a physician bends intently over a reclining patient while two attendants observe from behind. Sterner constructs the scene through remarkably economical, expressive linework, using shifts in pressure, overlapping contours and open areas of plate tone to convey urgency, concentration and human vulnerability without unnecessary detail.

This impression is signed by Albert Sterner in faded brown ink beneath the plate at lower right. At lower left, the sheet bears a faint contemporaneous inscription reading “2nd st.,” (the seond photo shows the inscription with an enhanced version of the text and image), denoting a second-state impression—a distinct stage in the development of the etched plate. The notation and signature display closely corresponding ink color, fading and age characteristics, supporting their identification as related period inscriptions.

Second-state impressions are of particular interest because they document the evolution of an artist’s plate rather than merely identifying a numbered example from the completed edition. This inscription distinguishes the work from an otherwise unidentified impression and offers a tangible connection to Sterner’s printmaking process.

The verso retains an important historical catalog label identifying the work as Albert Sterner’s “The Doctor,” dating it to 1928, recording an edition of 50, and describing it as a fine impression signed in ink. The label also records the plate dimensions as 6⅞ by 11 inches. A separate Maggie’s Hang-Ups label documents the vintage framing history in Hagerstown, Maryland. These retained labels form part of the artwork’s documented history and remain preserved on the sealed backing.

Albert Sterner was celebrated for his fluid draftsmanship and psychologically perceptive figurative work. Born in London to American parents, he established his career in the United States as a painter, illustrator and printmaker. His illustrations appeared in leading publications including Harper’s, Scribner’s, Century and Life, and his portrait subjects included members of the Vanderbilt and Whitney families. Sterner served as president of the Society of Illustrators and was elected a full member of the National Academy of Design in 1934. His work is represented in major institutional collections.

Presented under glass in a handsome two-tone wood frame with a warm brown finish, narrow gilt liner and wide double mat, the etching is ready to hang. Its restrained palette, evocative subject and expressive Art Deco-era linework make it especially compelling for a collected gallery wall, traditional library, physician’s study, historic office or thoughtfully layered interior.

An unusual opportunity to acquire an original 1928 Sterner etching distinguished by an artist inscription identifying its second state, a period ink signature and retained verso documentation recording its title, date, dimensions and edition of 50.

SIGNATURE AND EDITION NOTE
Signed “Albert Sterner” in faded brown ink beneath the plate at lower right and artist-inscribed “2nd st.” at lower left. The retained verso catalog label identifies the etching as “The Doctor,” dates it to 1928 and records an edition of 50. The second-state inscription identifies the state of the plate; the work is not represented as a separately numbered impression or as an institutional proof.

DIMENSIONS
20″ W × 16″ H

PLATE / IMAGE SIZE
11″ W × 6⅞″ H

PROVENANCE / DOCUMENTATION
Private collection
Retained verso catalog label identifying the artist, title, date, medium, plate dimensions, edition of 50 and ink signature.
Vintage framing label from Maggie’s Hang-Ups, Hagerstown, Maryland

KEYWORDS
Albert Sterner etching, Albert Edward Sterner art, The Doctor etching, signed Sterner print, artist-inscribed second state, 2nd state etching, original 1928 etching, edition of 50 print, antique medical artwork, vintage doctor art, American figurative print, American Modern printmaking, Art Deco etching, signed original etching, medical office wall art, physician study decor, historic medical art, vintage hospital artwork, traditional library art, collected gallery wall, framed antique etching, early twentieth-century American art, Society of Illustrators artist, National Academy artist See less