Etching, pencil signed and titled, from Orr's series of North Carolina landmarks completed between 1939-1952, matted and framed.

This rare oversized work is the fifty-first etching to make up a complete series of North Carolina scenes by Louis Orr. It is larger than the other works in the series, and our research shows it has only ever been offered twice at auction.

Leland Little Auctions would like to thank Charlene Newson with Gallery C, Raleigh for her help in cataloguing this lot.

Platemark 12 3/4 x 16 1/8 in.; Sheet size 14 5/8 x 18 1/8 in.; Frame dimensions 19 1/4 x 22 in.

Private Collection of Louis Orr Etchings, North Carolina

Louis Orr is best known for these remarkably detailed and highly collectible etchings that illustrate historic landmarks throughout North Carolina. Born in Connecticut and spending much of his formative years in Paris, people fervently began collecting Orr’s work in both countries in the early 20th century. Orr was the first American artist to have work in the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum, and his were also the first etchings to ever join the Louvre’s collection.

Robert Humber, the prominent arts advocate from North Carolina, later commissioned Orr to complete this special series of NC etchings to showcase the beauty of the State. The project took twelve years to complete, and Orr and Humber traveled from town to town with Orr faithfully depicting important landmarks throughout.

Some slight mat burn; few foxing marks and some faint stains; some minor creases.