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This precisely composed Lino-Cut print is titled First Church Of Sterling, and is direct from the estate of the late Howard John Besnia (1921-2014) .
It is signed, titled, dated 1952 and numbered 3 from an edition of 50. This framed print is the one that the artist exhibited in 1952 when it was new, and continued to exhibit in subsequent shows of his prints.
Ink on paper, 17"x13" image size, under glass. Overall framed size 22"x18"
The print appears to be in good condition. Frame is original, with a few signs of wear.
About the artist: Massachusetts artist and teacher Howard John Besnia (1921-2014) lived most of his adult life at the hilltop home/studio that he built in Sterling in the early 1950's, his "Skycrest".
Among his many talents, he was a caricaturist, portrait painter, sculptor, photographer, graphic artist and bookmaker. His work was exhibited regionally, but he was more concerned with teaching others than seeking attention for his own art.
One of his passions was printmaking, and his studio included a variety of historic lithography, letterpress and etching presses. He founded Scarab Press, publishing his own prints and art books and working with regional artists to produce editions on his presses.
He designed and published five fine art books in 6 years, one of which was an award winner at the New England Book Show. He even sketched the stars from his own observatory.
He taught art for over 60 years, beginning at Auburn High School and ending with decades of service at Fitchburg State College. Upon his retirement, he continued to teach classes from his home. Skycrest included several rooms devoted to art production, including a large classroom where Professor Besnia taught painting and lithography to hundreds of students.
Howard was born on January 24, 1921, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was an Army veteran of World War II, and he earned a Bachelor's Degree from Clark University and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Yale University.
Note: I am representing the estate of Howard Besnia, and have several of his paintings and prints on RubyLane. Search my shop for "Besnia"
Item ID: HB9