 |
 |
Ben Ledi. 1911. Etching and drypoint. Rinder 424.ii. 14 7/8 x 11 7/8 (sheet 16 7/8 x 12 3/8). Edition c. 80. A rich, glowing impression printed on very fine laid paper. Signed in pencil. This is Cameron's most famous etching. $7,000.
The Gaelic name, Ben Ledi, means The Hill of God. Ben Ledi a mountain in Stirlingshire, Scotland. It is 879 miles (2884 feet) high, and is classified as a Corbett. By road it lies about eight kilometres (5 miles) north-west of Callander, and is situated in the Trossachs hills, which are often regarded as having some of the most romantic scenery in the Highlands. Ben Ledi is particularly well known through Walter Scott's poem Lady of the Lake. Its name is supposed to point to the time when Beltane rites were observed on the summit.
This image of Ben Ledi was produced in 1911, and by 1925 had become one of the most desirable and expensive Scottish prints. Here, Cameron used a combination of etching and drypoint to create the strong and dramatic contrasts of light and shade, resulting in a rich and full-toned image. Ben Ledi is a mountain set in the picturesque scenery of Perthshire, and its name means ‘Hill of the Gods’ in Gaelic. It was a constant source of inspiration for Cameron, who painted Ben Ledi many times in a variety of different seasons and atmospheres.
To order, to report broken links, or to be placed on the email list, call contact Jane Allinson (allinson@earthlink.net) or fax (860) 429-2825.