Not every European artist working during the first half of the twentieth century went on to achieve the fame of a Rembrandt or Gauguin. Some sold etchings of their paintings as Souvenirs of Europe. This allowed them to at least eke out a living by selling their etchings of landscapes and townscapes, often to tourists and soldiers stationed in Europe during the two World Wars. For many, this meant traveling beyond the borders of their home towns and journeying throughout their own country or neighboring countries to find the most popular tourist landmarks, street scenes, and engaging rural scenery that would make the best etchings and attract tourist-buyers. Their etchings ranged in style from sketchy to painterly and from black and white to full hand-colored images, always revealing the individual eye and skill of the etchers, many of whom, to this day, are known only by their name, while others remain unidentified. But these works of art are highly collectible and readily found in garage sales, antique malls, auction houses, and online stores. The artists may be gone, but their etchings, Souvenirs of Europe, have stood the test of time. 146 pgs, 8.5" x 11", 150 color and B&W etchings.
