Dale C. Bradley (born 1954) did several wonderful and amusing etchings in the mid 1980s featuring hogs / swine / pigs. This excellent American artist generally features hogs and swine in exterior or interior scenes that are visual goldmines of interesting detail.  "Hamlet" (1984) is more minimalist. Bradley has presented Shakespeare's iconic hero in a traditional portrait format -- in profile. This Shakespearean swine is in costume (with collar and cuffs) and holds his weapon (notice the swine close to the top of the handle) in his cloven hoof (right arm/hand).  His snout is turned slightly towards us (the viewers).  His left eye peers out from beneath his droopy lid.

So far this is the only chest length portrait format swine we have found in Bradley's work (some of which is available online). There is a full length "portrait" of an elegantly dressed swine / man (with a bow tie, a top hat and a walking stick) titled FINE SWINE II. If you are familiar with Bradley's work and know of other etchings similar to "Hamlet", please let us know.

Bradley's skill and mastery of the art of etching is exceptional.  His humorous and engaging work merges extraordinary technical skill (as a master printmaker) and a creative artistic vision.

We love this etching, but we think it needs to go to the "right new home" where there is a focus on works of art related to Hamlet, Shakespeare, the theatre .... or the world of swine / hogs /pigs!  It would even be an amusing addition to a collection of traditional and older portraits -- in various printmaking techniques.

A previous owner had it wonderfully matted and framed. The double mat creates a window through which we view this elegant and dramatic swine.  The ornate wood molding (with a dark gold finish) of the frame echoes the trim on Hamlet's collar and cuff.  The frame is in very good condition; upon very close inspection you can find minimal rubs/marks/nicks.  

The frame is approximately 11 5/8" x 9 7/8".  This original etching is double matted; the inner mat opening is about 6 3/4" x 5".  The plate size is about 5 3/4" x 3 7/8".

It is pencil signed at the lower edge:

"HAMLET"     20/40 A.P.     Bradley

Within the etched image, in a small rectangle in the lower right corner ----   BRADLEY [[copyright symbol]] 1984

The price includes free USPS Priority shipping to addresses in the U.S.

All of the art work and collectibles being sold by Adams-Byrd have been collected and selected one at a time by the proprietor, an art historian with many years of training and experience in university art history departments, museums, galleries and historic sites both in the U.S. and abroad.  Our small family business has been based in the Washington, D.C. area for many years.  Our online presence has now replaced our brick & mortar locations. The art and collectibles that we are offering to discerning shoppers are special and unique pieces that have been carefully “curated” by us. 

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