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A beautiful map of west-central California after a wood-block print by acclaimed wood-block engraver Paul Landacre: "The Gold Fields". Based on my research, I have been able to discover only two cartographic works attributed to Landacre, the other is the very rare "Cinema Heaven" produced by Landacre in 1932. This map was issued in 1933.
From the book "A Gil Blas in California" (1) where Landacre provided not only this fine map, but also the wood-block engraved chapter vignettes. The book, by Alexander Dumas, author of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, describes a Frenchman's voyage to San Francisco and his disappointing attempt to get rich prospecting for gold near Stockton, California during the 1849 gold rush.
 Chapter vignette by Paul Landacre.
(1) A Gil Blas in California. Alexander Dumas. Translated by Marguerite Eyer Wilbur. Primavera Press. Los Angeles. 1933.
Paul Hambleton Landacre (1893–1963)
Paul Hambleton Landacre was an acclaimed American printmaker and wood engraver who found his artistic calling amidst personal adversity. Born and raised in Ohio, Landacre initially pursued a career in medicine. However, a debilitating streptococcus infection altered his life trajectory, eventually leading him toward the world of art.
Following this dramatic life shift, Landacre relocated to Los Angeles, a move that proved instrumental in defining his artistic career. In the burgeoning cultural milieu of Los Angeles, Landacre discovered an affinity for printmaking, specifically the intricate craft of wood engraving.
Landacre quickly rose to prominence, earning acclaim as one of the finest wood engravers of the 20th century. His oeuvre, noted for its precision, grace, and the expressive power of his black and white imagery, significantly influenced the field. Landacre's style is often characterized by its balance of bold black and white contrasts, the precision of line work, and an acute sense of composition. The subjects of his work often include landscapes, flora, and everyday scenes, particularly those found around his home in the hills of Echo Park, Los Angeles.
Furthermore, Landacre's work demonstrates an attention to naturalistic detail and an adept use of the engraving medium to evoke texture and depth. He was able to use the contrast between dark and light to bring out the drama and beauty of ordinary scenes, imbuing them with a sense of quiet yet profound significance.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1932
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States
BODY OF WATER: Pacific Ocean
CONDITION: Good.
COLORING: None
ENGRAVER:
SIZE: 13
" x
14 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION:
PRICE: $
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