Potato Lifting, from "The Portfolio"

William Strang

October 1882 · Etching; final state · Drawings and Prints

Strang moved to London from Scotland at the age of seventeen then studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. His teacher, Alphonse Legros, encouraged him to become an etcher and the young artist soon became known for works in that medium. This example enobles the labor of men and women harvesting potatoes and reflects Strang's growing interest in socialism, a movement that gained momentum in Britain during the 1880s. His beliefs led to a friendship with the influential Arts and Crafts designer, Charles Robert Ashbee, to membership in the Art Workers' Guild founded by the latter in 1895, and to involvement with the Essex House Press.

Artist

William Strang

Date

October 1882

Medium

Etching; final state

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Donato Esposito, 2015