This 1887 etching by the Irish American artist, Thomas Hovenden, measures 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches, pencil signed, remarque on l.l. of shaving mug with brush, copyright info on l.c. Thomas Hovenden was born in Cork, Ireland, studying at the Cork School of Design before emigrating to the US at age 23, enrolling at the National Academy of Design in NYC and working as an illustrator for Harper's magazine. He went on to study in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux Arts under Alexander Cabanel before settling back in the US in the Pennsylvania area. Known for his portrayal of African-Americans going about everyday life, during a time when they were treated less than fairly. His wife's family were abolitionists and his studio was previously used as a stop for the underground railroad.
