Oehme Graphics, in partnership with Robert Ellsworth, the step-grandson of sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, is please to announce the release of a suite of 39 photogravure prints by the late artist.

Mr. Borglum is of course most well known for the design and creation of Mount Rushmore, which was completed by Robert’s step-father, Lincoln Borglum. Gutzon Borglum’s earlier sculptural works offer a wide range of subject matter and many are depicted in this suite, with variations on the visage of Abraham Lincoln juxtaposed with beautifully sensitive portrayals of motherhood. There are many tributes to past heroes, and a series of emotive portraits. Originally crafted as elegant “marketing” material in 1913, the first printings were done on thin paper held in a loose portfolio, which Borglum would take to prospective collectors to demonstrate the breadth of his oeuvre.

Mr. Ellsworth inherited the plates, which were discovered on the family property in Texas, tucked in boxes in a well house. The steel-faced surface of each plate was seriously corroded, but, miraculously, the stunning images remained intact. After the plates were refaced, each was printed in editions of 15 plus proofs.

The antique copper plates from which the images are printed have engraved titles and noted locations of each sculpture. The plates have been hand printed by master printer, Susan Oehme, in rich Charbonnel black ink on Revere Silk Soft White paper. For each suite, OG has reimagined the leather-bound portfolio box with gold foil stamped letters, and recreated the four text pages, which include an essay about the work of Borglum by his colleague, Robert H. Davis.

In the words of Mr. Davis:

“The eyes that see clearest first discern the simplicities. The hand that fashions surest is steadied by precognition. The understanding that conceives immortally unites yesterday, to-day, and tomorrow in a single effort that survives the ages, These faculties Gutzon Borglum brings to his art.”   -Excerpt from Forward written by Robert H. Davis, 1913

Specifications: The prints measure 11 x 15 inches and will be available individually or in suites with the portfolio box, which is approximately 1 ¼ inches deep. .

Edition size of 15, plus Artist Proofs. Available through www.OehmeGraphics.com, sue@oehmegraphics.com or call 970-870-6609.