Accession Number

2023.004a-b

Description

One color lithographic print in oak frame, the frame with minor damage at the lower left, lower right, and upper right corners. There is a gilt gesso liner between the frame and the glass. The landscape scene depicts two male hunters in Scottish highland dress leading two horses over a hillside. Each horse is loaded with a dead deer stag. Text on the print includes: Centre: “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1897 in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. New York, The British Art Publishers Union Ltd. 15 East 17th St.” Lower Centre: “BRINGING HOME THE STAG.” Lower Centre: “London, Published March 15, 1897 by Arthur Lucas the Proprietor, 31 Bond St. W.” Lower right: “PHOTOMEZZO BY EDWARD GILBERT” Stamped text on the backing paper: “The Fine Art Gallery (then indistinct text)…Framing a Specialty. Joseph Sommer 50 G…” (then indistinct text).

Narrative

In 1896, British artist Charles Edward Johnson, R.I. (1832-1913) painted the picture that is reproduced in this print made in 1897. Titled “Bringing Home The Stag”, the original painting was sold by Mexican auction house Mortan Subastas in 2008.

History of Use

This framed print was used by the donor’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John William Bryden, and used in their home on Transit Road in Oak Bay, B.C. and later, at their beachfront home at Royston, B.C. It was inherited by their son Peter Croft Bryden and used in his homes across Canada before being donated to Craigdarroch by Peter’s son in 2023.

The print was framed between 1897 and 1900 by Joseph Sommer, an art dealer and framer situated at 50 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. The purchaser was possibly John William Bryden’s parents, John Cowper Bryden and Elizabeth Hamilton Dunsmuir (1849-1901), eldest child of Robert and Joan Olive Dunsmuir. They built a large house named Dalzellowlie in 1894, and this framed print probably hung in that house. 

John Cowper Bryden was born, raised, and educated in Scotland. A coal mining engineer, he was a trusted Dunsmuir son-in-law. The Scottish scene depicted in this print was probably familiar and pleasing to him.
 

Date

1897

Dimensions

73 x 92 cm

Material

Wood; Glass; Gesso; Paper, cardstock; Paper

Artwork Title

Bringing Home the Stag

Support

Paper

Technique

Printed

Inscription

On the back of the artwork: 
Mrs. Chaplain 2 1/8" 1579. 6472 Sage Grn Oak 1/2 plus Gold ling 5.90 For about 24 x 31