Original 1916 Philip Little Signed Etching \"A Glassy Sea\" Impression #3 For Sale

• ARTIST: PHILIP LITTLE (American, 1857–1942)
• TITLE: \"A GLASSY SEA\"
• DATE OF PRODUCTION: 1916
• MEDIUM: ORIGINAL ETCHING & DRYPOINT ON MATTE FINE ART PAPER
• EDITION MARK: IMPRESSION #3 (Hand-numbered \"3\" in pencil, bottom left margin)
• IMAGE SIZE (PLATE MARK): 8\" H x 5\" W (Vertical/Portrait Orientation)
• SHEET SIZE (TOTAL PAPER): 14\" H x 10\" W (With original wide margins and deckled edges)
• SIGNATURES: DOUBLE SIGNED (Etched in the copper plate block signature bottom right; Hand-signed and dated \"Philip Little 1916\" in graphite pencil just below the plate line).

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & SCARCITYThis rare work on paper represents a peak period in the printmaking career of Massachusetts Impressionist PHILIP LITTLE. Produced in 1916, this print was pulled at his waterfront studio on Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts, or during his summer travels to MacMahan Island, Maine.An Ultra-Scarce, Micro-Edition Print Run
Unlike commercial modern reproductions, early 20th-century fine art etchings by Philip Little were printed by hand in exceptionally small batches—typically restricted to limited editions of only 10 to 25 total impressions before the metal plate was permanently retired. The handwritten numeral \"3\" in the lower-left margin confirms this is the 3rd physical impression ever pulled from the copper plate, capturing the sharpest lines and richest ink textures.The Mastery of \"A Glassy Sea\"
The title \"A Glassy Sea\" refers to Little’s absolute mastery of plate tone. Rather than wiping the metal plate clean, he left a microscopic film of ink across the smooth areas of the sky and sea. When pressed into the heavy, absorbent matte paper, it created a smoky, atmospheric glare that perfectly captures three New England fishing schooners becalmed on a mirror-like, dead-calm ocean surface. Because of its extreme scarcity, this specific print title is virtually undocumented in public commercial sales databases, making it an extraordinary find for serious maritime and American Impressionism collectors.DETAILED CONDITION REPORT

• PRINT IMAGE: GOOD/VERY GOOD. The etched ink remains dark, velvety, and well-embossed. The structural integrity of the artwork area is excellent with zero tears, holes, or alterations within the plate mark.
• PAPER MARGINS: FAIR/ANTIQUE CONDITION. The original 110-year-old paper sheet is untrimmed and retains its beautiful natural deckled edges. However, the margins show extensive foxing (microscopic brown age spots) scattered on the front and reverse.
• MOUNTING NOTE: There is prominent amber-colored mat burn/acid discoloration along the borders from historic framing. The top edge of the sheet is currently secured to a heavy cardboard support backing using two small tabs of vintage adhesive tape.
• PROVENANCE STATEMENT: Sold strictly \"AS-IS\" and untampered with. It is an outstanding candidate for a professional paper conservator or archival museum matting. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to inspect the paper aging.

PACKAGING & SHIPPING GUARANTEEBecause this is an authentic 1916 work on paper, this print will never be rolled into a shipping tube, which would crack the antique paper fibers. It will be securely wrapped and packed perfectly FLAT between multiple layers of heavy-duty, double-walled corrugated shipping cardboard to guarantee a safe, bend-free transit to your door. Full shipping insurance is included.