George Eliot Satin Proofs
by Marilee Johnson
(Chandler, AZ)
The first George Eliot proof titled
This is a box of sixty-one satin proofs. The inside of the box reads: George Eliot Illustrations This is a duplicate set of sixty-one illustrations to George Eliot's complete works, printed on satin, and presented by the publishers to the subscriber to set No 7 de Grand Luxe Edition Estes and Lauriat, Publishers Boston, Mass.
Each proof is matted, with the name of the etching on the back, along with the name of the artist. The artists include F. Wells Champney, Walter Saterlee, Wm. Unger, R. Swain Gifford, S.G. McCutcheon, W.H. Shelton, Will H. Low, F.S. Church, E.A. Fowle, S. A. Schoff, and J. Henry Hill.
The proofs are cited as original etchings, etching after a painting (naming the painter), and photo-etching from a painting (naming the painter).
The only reference I have ever been able to find is a reference in an auction catalog that read: "Catalog of the magnificant private library of the late Col. Jonas H. French of Boston, Mass To Be Sold 1904 #550 Eliot Extra Illustrations to the Complete Works of George Eliot"
The box is maroon colored, with a faux snake or alligator grain. George Eliot Satin Proofs is written on the front in gold. The box is falliing apart at the seams, so I have it tied with cord.
I received this from my grandmother in the 1970s.