The Scales (Primary Title)
Third Indian and Ladaki Set (Set Title)
Ernest Stephen Lumsden, English, 1883–1948 (Artist)
Ernest Stephen Lumsden, English, 1883–1948 (Printer)
In this large plate, widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, Lumsden inverts his usual treatment of India’s light. Two-thirds of the image is composed not of blazing white radiance but rather deep, dark shadow. The artist peers into the street-side shop of a Jodhpur vendor who, head cocked, weighs some dry good on scales for the man seated at the right. To the left, a second customer waits to have his jug filled, perhaps with the same liquid stirred by a veiled woman behind him. Shrouded in the stall’s dark interior are two more figures and a clutter of utensils.
ed. 53
Signed in ink "Lumsden imp" at bottom center along plate line. Also "17 53" signed in ink by the artist.
Unknown collector's mark at right lower corner recto (green animal?). Not in Lugt.
"L209" inscribed in graphite by unknown had at lower left corner of recto.
Gift of Frank Raysor
Light and Line: E. S. Lumsden's Visions of India, VMFA South Asian Galleries, April 11, 2016 - April 4, 2017
Copley, John. “The Later Etchings of E. S. Lumsden”, The Print Collector’s Quarterly, July 1936. Includes a chronological list, 1905-1935, compiled by E. S. Lumsden.
©artist or artist’s estate
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